NCEA Notes

The Bullying/Cyberbullying Prevention Program
Notes by Cynthia Cox

The following are reports referenced in this presentation:
http://cyberbullying.us/Social_Influences_on_Cyberbullying.pdf
http://www.cyberbullying.us/FriendingStudentsonFacebook.pdf

NOTES:
-gender differences in face-to-face bullying is equalized when online, girls bullying as much as boys
-bystanders are afraid, confused, may get drawn into the bully's target zone; want to help but do not know how and do not want repercussions
-consequences of cyberbullying: detrimental to academic and social success, not just the parent's problem, affects environment of the school
-why is it so prevalent? You don't have to be big/strong, you can construct the 'perfect' insult or rumor/don't have to be quick-witted or a fast thinker to bully someone else (levels the playing field for bullies); anonymity
-where does it occur? Social networking sites, YouTube (filming bullying and uploading it, then more people pile on in the comments); instant messaging, email, online video games, text messaging

Create a climate of "upstanders" instead of "bystanders"
-only takes 2-3 strong student leaders to lead a charge of 'zero tolerance' for bullying
-cross-curricular activities addressing bullying
-student films/psa video projects
-educators should establish clear rules of computer use/ethics
-educators should generate dialogue about cyberbullying: scenarios, role play, discussion
-when a student approaches an adult about cyberbullying, it is important the adult remain calm rather than overreact
- students do not want their "lifeline" – ie, their internet access – to be taken from them even if it is done by a parent or other adult to protect them from harm, they see this as punishment, not a realistic solution to the problem

Recommended documentary: (not yet released, but soon - click link for trailer)
http://www.submitthedocumentary.com/