Reducing Cyberbullying Incidents in Schools
By Kimberly Taylor
Cyberbullying is a devastating reality of the digital world among students today. The
term “cyberbullying” refers to when a child, preteen, or teen is embarrassed, harassed, or
threatened by another child, preteen, or teen in some way using the Internet, interactive
technologies, digital technologies, or mobile phones (Wired Kids, Inc.). Students, educators, and
parents are bothered by cyberbullying, so each group should be educated on how to prevent and
deal with cyberbullying (Brunner & Lewis, 2010). I will discuss how schools could help reduce
cyberbullying incidents by implementing cyberbullying prevention programs, giving students
increased interactions with school staff about cyberbullying, and providing parents with
information on cyberbullying.
Should Schools Get Involved with Cyberbullying?
There are claims that schools do not have the right to get involved with cyberbullying
because it is occurring outside of school among students. In 2008, Evan Cohen’s eighth grade
daughter was accused of cyberbullying by her school after posting a malicious video where she
insulted another student on YouTube. Cohen was outraged that his daughter was disciplined for
an incident that occurred outside of school and filed a lawsuit against the school (Hoffman,
2010). The judge ruled in favor of Cohen’s daughter because he felt the video only caused a
minimal disruption in school (Hoffman, 2010). Shah (2011) argues that whenever a student
comes to school upset and asks the school staff for help then it becomes an issue that is affecting
the school. Conversely, it is felt by some that peer-on-peer cyberbullying should not be dealt
with through punishment by the school (National Coalition Against Censorship, 2010). Floreno
(2011) disputes this statement by saying that the worst thing schools can do is ignore
cyberbullying. Schools need to take action against cyberbullies to protect their students, their
community, and the educational environment (Floreno, 2011). Although cyberbullying occurs
outside of the school day, it is still the school’s responsibility to take the appropriate action when
it involves their students.
Implementing Cyberbullying Prevention Programs
Schools could begin to decrease the amount of cyberbullying incidents by starting a
cyberbullying prevention program. Students need to understand what cyberbullying is and how
they can help stop it. By beginning a cyberbullying prevention program, students could learn
how to become better digital citizens, students could learn how their cyber actions have
consequences, and schools could add cyberbullying into the school handbook.
Learning about cyberbullying can empower students to become good digital citizens
(Levy, 2011). When schools are teaching students about cyberbullying they should focus on how
they want their students to behave online (Levy, 2011). Students need to learn what is acceptable
and what it unacceptable to say when they are communicating using technology. Having school
wide discussions about appropriate online behavior can help students learn about their civil
rights and tolerance (Shah, 2011). By giving students the appropriate resources they can learn to
make better choices (Fredrick, 2009).
Students need to learn that their cyber actions have real world consequences. In a
prevention program, students could be informed of what could happen if they opt to engage in
cyberbullying. When engaging in activities that are considered cyberbullying, some students do
not realize that they are committing a crime (Floreno, 2011). They do not always understand that
although they think that electronic bullying is anonymous, most offenders can be identified
(Brunner & Lewis, 2010). Also, if cyberbullying results in death or an attempted suicide most
states will prosecute the cyberbullies (Floreno, 2011). If students were educated about the
consequences that could follow their decision to cyberbully another student they may decide it
was not worth it.
Schools should also add cyberbullying to their school handbook as part of their
prevention plan. According to Sutton (2009), school handbooks should include a cyberbullying
agreement. This agreement should be signed by students and parents and would clearly state the
rules and expectations of the students and also the possible consequences that could occur if they
are not followed (Sutton, 2009). It should also state how students and teachers should report
cyberbullying and how the school officials would investigate these claims (Taylor, 2008). If it
explicitly stated that students may be disciplined for off-campus speech if that speech created a
substantial disruption to the school environment, then it would help the principal to take action
when cyberbullying did occur (Taylor, 2008). If students know that they can be disciplined at
school for cyberbullying it may decrease the frequency of it.
A cyberbullying prevention program could help schools reduce the frequency of
cyberbullying. When students become educated about cyberbullying and what consequences it
has they will be less likely to do it. Also, students will be more reluctant to engage in
cyberbullying if they know they can be disciplined at school for their actions at home.
Give Students Increased Interaction with School Staff about Cyberbullying
Students need to be able to go to any member of their school’s staff if they are being
cyberbullied. Unfortunately, students do not know where to go or who to talk to when they are
being cyberbullied (Davis, 2011). According to Davis (2011), if students knew what to do when
they were being cyberbullied then it could be prevented or even stopped. In order to ensure
students could receive effective help from school staff members, schools need to prepare their
staff to deal with cyberbullying issues, encourage classroom discussions, and have ways for
students to communicate with school staff members.
School staff members should receive proper training on cyberbullying so that they are
prepared to assist students with their problems. According to a survey taken in 2010, 50% of
participating teachers felt ready to discuss cyberbullying with their students (Levy, 2011). The
survey also showed that over 75% of participating teachers spent less than six hours on
professional development for cyber issues (Levy, 2011). A survey taken by school social
workers found that 55% of participating workers felt they were equipped to deal with
cyberbullying issues (Slovak & Singer, 2011). These studies found that many school staff
members are not prepared to handle cyberbullying. Schools should add relevant professional
development for their staff members so that they will be prepared to help the students who are
struggling with cyberbullying.
Schools should encourage their teachers to engage students in classroom discussions
about cyberbullying. According to Levy (2011), teachers should define cyberbullying, explain
school policies, tell students how to report and respond, and also what they should do as a
bystander. In addition to these discussions, teachers should provide students with news articles
and watch clips from movies or television shows that show examples of cyberbullying and how
it should be handled (Draa & Sydney, 2009). Teachers could then engage the students in full or
small group discussions, or have students respond in their journal. Opening dialogue about
cyberbullying could help students ask for help, inspire students to help others, or maybe even
stop a student from becoming or continuing to be a cyberbully.
Students need to have ways to speak with school staff members about cyberbullying. By
establishing a system where students could anonymously report cyberbullying, students would be
more likely to report others (Floreno, 2011). According to Beale (2007), students need to feel
comfortable when they are reporting to an adult. A school could establish an open-door policy to
encourage discussion with students (Floreno, 2011). Regardless of how it is done, it is important
that students have some way to communicate with adults.
In an anonymous web-based survey of 12-17 year old students, 90% did not tell an adult
when they were being cyberbullied (Juvonen & Gross, 2008). Students need to realize that the
adults at their school are there to help them. With proper training for school staff members,
effective classroom discussions, and open communication, students will be able to receive help
from the adults at their school.
Provide Parents with Information on Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is an issue that affects the whole school community, which includes the
parents (Levy, 2011). According to Chibbaro (2007), parental awareness can help schools
eliminate cyberbullying. Schools can help parents by telling them what behaviors they should be
watching for from their child and what do if their child is being cyberbullied.
Children who are the victim or offender of cyberbullying generally exhibit behaviors that
parents could identify. Victims of cyberbullying may suddenly stop using the computer and act
reluctant to answer the phone, emails, or text messages (Brunner & Lewis, 2010). If parents see
these symptoms they can contact the school for specialized guidance and support (Floreno,
2011). Conversely, offenders of cyberbullying may have multiple email accounts, spend
excessive time on the computer, and act reluctant to discuss online activities (Brunner & Lewis,
2010). If parents were aware of these signs of cyberbullying they could get involved.
Schools can help parents decide what to do if their child is being cyberbullied. Parents
can contact the school principal to see if the cyberbullying that is occurring is substantially
disruptive to the school environment (Taylor, 2008). If it is not, the principal can advise the
parents to contact law officials if it involves death threats, excessive intimidation, or
discrimination based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or sexual exploitation (Draa &
Sydney, 2009). Parents do not always know what to do when their child is the victim of
cyberbullying, so the school should provide them with support.
Schools can help parents become aware of cyberbullying. Parents need to learn what
signs to watch for so that they can ensure their child is not being cyberbullied or cyberbullying
other students. Schools should also help parents understand their options if their child is a victim
of cyberbullying. Parents can help prevent cyberbullying by being aware of their child’s actions.
Conclusion
Schools could help reduce cyberbullying incidents by implementing cyberbullying
prevention programs, giving students increased interactions with school staff about
cyberbullying, and providing parents with information on cyberbullying. Schools need to have
cyberbullying prevention programs to educate students. Schools also need to have staff members
that are willing and able to help students with cyberbullying issues. Schools can also decrease
cyberbullying incidents by educating parents. Cyberbullying is not going to be eliminated
immediately, but schools can do their part to help lessen the frequency of it.
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