Cyber Bullying

According to Stop Bullying, cyber bullying can be defined as bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers, and tablets. Cyberbullying includes sending, posting, or sharing negative, harmful, false, or mean content about someone else. Also, some cyberbullying crosses the line into unlawful or criminal behavior. With the increasing use of technology, there has been an increasing use of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is an issue that concerns students, parents, and teachers and there has been little to no resolution for this problem that occurs at many schools all over the world. It is linked to depression, anxiety, and some suicides among teenagers. 

Red sign crossing out the word "cyberbullying"

When I was a student in middle school and high school, cyberbullying was a very common occurrence. Some of my very close friends were victims of cyberbullying and school administration and even the police were involved. As an aspiring teacher, cyberbullying is something that I am going to face in my classroom. No matter how much a teacher limits device usage in their classroom, they cannot control what happens outside of the classroom. The best thing a teacher can in a cyber bullying situation is respond quickly to the bullying and send the message that bullying is not acceptable. Also, schools can provide staff training on bullying prevention and this can help education teachers about cyber bullying. 

In conclusion, is a very real and scary thing that students and teachers face. However, if students are taught ways to be smarter online by parents and teachers, cyber bullying can be prevented. For example, if a student falls victim to cyber bullying, the best thing they can do is put their device away and walk away. Responding to the cyber bullying online or dwelling on it only makes the issue worse. The student should go to a trusted adult about the issue. It is necessary that teachers and counselors encourage their students to come to them for support and guidance in matters such as this.