How to Prevent Cyberbullying

Technology and social media use is often a positive and crucial aspect of adolescents’ social and educational experiences. However, online harassment and cyberbullying on social media can be a concern for youth. It is often challenging for educators and schools to navigate cyberbullying prevention and intervention and how to promote healthy digital behavior.

Understanding how to prevent cyberbullying is crucial for fostering a safe online environment for students. Cyberbullying is a growing concern, and according to stopbullying.gov, about 15% of high school students have been electronically bullied in the past year. This statistic highlights the urgency for educators to recognize the signs and implications of this issue.

This article will provide strategies educators can use to help flag and actively prevent cyberbullying.

What Are Common Signs of Cyberbullying?

As you consider ways to prevent cyberbullying, it’s important for those who support students to understand some of the common signs that a student has experienced cyberbullying. Cyberbullying may not leave visible physical marks like traditional bullying, but victims of cyberbullying may exhibit noticeable signs.

Because many kids and teens who are cyberbullied may not report it, teachers, school staff, and parents need to recognize the signs. Here are some common indicators:

• Depression and Anxiety: Victims may show signs of sadness, irritability, or anxiety, indicating emotional distress. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, near­ly 2 in 3 ado­les­cents are ​“often” or ​“some times” exposed to hate-based con­tent on social media.
• Social Isolation: A sudden withdrawal from friends and family can signal that a student is being targeted online.
• Emotional Distress: Frequent mood swings or emotional outbursts may point to underlying issues caused by cyberbullying.
• Sudden Drop in Grades: A decline in academic performance can indicate that a student struggles with external pressures, including cyberbullying.
• Digital Avoidance: If students avoid using devices or social media, it may be a sign they are experiencing cyberbullying.

What Can Cyberbullying Cause?

Cyberbullying can lead to significant long-term mental health issues in students. Here are potential consequences:

• Chronic Low Self-Esteem: Victims may struggle with self-worth due to constant negative peer feedback.
• Risk of Substance Abuse: Cyberbullying can increase the likelihood of turning to drugs or alcohol as coping mechanisms.
• Development of Eating Disorders: Students may engage in unhealthy behaviors to manage stress and body image issues.
• Self-Harm Behaviors: In severe cases, victims may resort to self-injury to cope with emotional pain. A study of students aged 12-18 found that 21.1% of participants considered harming themselves due to the consequences of cyberbullying.
• Trust Issues in Future Relationships: Long-term effects can include difficulty in forming and maintaining healthy relationships.

What Training Do Educators Get to Deal with Cyberbullying?

According to the Early Intervention Foundation, only one in three teachers feels equipped to help stop cyberbullying. This highlights a significant gap in training and preparation. That same report identified that 60% of secondary teachers have not taken a cyberbullying course or had any cyberbullying-related training the past 12 months. Many educators report feeling unprepared due to inconsistent training programs and a lack of comprehensive resources.

Cyberbullying training for teachers and other school staff should prepare staff to recognize the signs of cyberbullying and define their role in preventing and reporting bullying.

How Can Schools Train Teachers to Deal with Cyberbullying?

To effectively combat cyberbullying, schools need to implement structured training programs. Here are effective strategies for training educators and students:

Vector Solutions Empowers Educators with Training to Better Understand How to Respond to Cyberbullying

We offer a variety of training programs designed to equip educators with the necessary tools to effectively address the detection and prevention of cyberbullying on social media. Our courses include:

• Bullying: Recognition & Response: This course helps educators recognize the signs of bullying and provides strategies for intervention.
• Cyberbullying in Schools: This course provides school staff members with a basic overview of cyberbullying and strategies for identifying, reporting, and maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Student Mental Health: This course is designed to provide an overview of student mental health concerns and educators’ responsibilities. Topics covered include the scope of mental health needs in school-age students, how anxiety and depression present in young people, warning signs and risk factors, and when and how to intervene and refer/report students who need support.
• Student Safety & Wellness: These video-based programs cover important safety, wellness, and social and emotional learning topics and feature hands-on lessons designed to positively impact school culture, support your student wellness initiatives, and keep your community safe. Topics include bullying and cyberbullying, stress and anxiety, healthy relationships, digital citizenship, and more.