Cyberbullying resources for the classroom
Cyberbullying is a growing concern for young people today. Use of the internet, of mobile phones, and the very rapid rise in interactive communications (Web 2.0) has meant that for children and young people there is very little distinction between their online and their offline lives.
Teachers need to know how to deal with this issue, as in many cases this kind of behaviour occurs within peer groups within the same community. Even if some of the bullying behaviour occurs outside school hours it can have a very strong impact on how happy and engaged a child is at school.
- What is cyberbullying?
- How prevalent is it?
- What’s the best strategy to deal with it?
- What can schools do?
- Teaching Resources
What is cyberbullying?
"Cyberbullying involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behaviour by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others." Bill Belsey: www.cyberbullying.org
How prevalent is it?
Numerous studies have been carried out in Australia and overseas.
- 2005 Queensland University of Technology study
- 14% students had been cyberbullied
- 11% identified themselves as cyberbullies
- 25% knew of someone who had been cyberbullied - 2006 UK study for the Anti-Bullying Alliance
- 22% of students had been cyberbullied
- About a third of those who had experienced cyberbullying hadn’t told anyone about it
What’s the best strategy to deal with it?
If a child is experiencing cyberbullying, there are five key steps to taking back control:
- Ignore it
- Block the bully!
- Tell someone – Mum or Dad or another trusted adult. They can also speak to someone at the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
- Keep the evidence – it can be very helpful to show the where/how and what of how this is occuring
- Report it
- To a teacher or other responsible adult at school
- To the relevant ISP/phone provider
- To the police, particularly in those cases where there are threats made
What can schools do?
Schools can:
- Provide comprehensive teacher training to raise awareness
- Work with students to raise awareness of the consequences of online behaviours, and to promote good digital citizenship
- Work with the whole school community, including parents
- Put in place clear ICT acceptable usage policies
- Put in place anti-bullying policies which explicitly recognise the issue of cyberbullying
- Provide clear advice and reporting mechanisms
- Follow through – schools should ensure that something is done, and that the problem is addressed
Teaching Resources
Lauren’s Ordeal
Lauren’s Ordeal is one of ACMA’s ‘WiseuptoIt’ group of video resources. It deals specifically with the issue of cyberbullying.
View the Lauren’s Ordeal and access teaching resources on the ‘WiseuptoIt’ website.
This resource is also available on DVD. Free copies are available by emailing cybersafety@acma.gov.au.
Let’s Fight It Together
‘Let’s Fight It Together’ comprises a six minute film, plus supporting information and teaching resources. It includes 2 x 45 minutes lessons appropriate for Years 7 to 9 students, which can be used as an opportunity to discuss and develop a cyberbullying definition and policy within the whole school community.
ACMA is currently adapting the teaching materials for this resource to the Australian legal and educational context, to be available from first term 2009.
If you wish to place an order for a hard copy DVD version of the ‘Let’s Fight It Together’resource please contact us at cybersafety@acma.gov.au.