A newer version of the platform is available. Please refresh the page.
Sign Up to Get information about Sales & Events Click Here
A newer version of the platform is available. Please refresh the page.
By Christina F. Brown and Michelle K. Demaray, Ph.D. Bullying Special Edition Contributor
Posted by permission of Education.com. © Education.com. Originally appeared at: http://www.education.com/reference/article/school-based-cyberbullying-interventions/
Definition Of Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is a growing trend with school-aged children. Current estimates are that as many as 20 to 35% of children and adolescents report experiencing cyberbullying as a bully, a victim, or both (1 & 3).
There is no standard definition of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying has been defined as “an individual or a group willfully using information and communication involving electronic technologies to facilitate deliberate and repeated harassment or threat to another individual or group by sending or posting cruel text and/or graphics using technological means” (4).
How Is Cyberbullying Different From Traditional Bullying?
Despite the subtle differences, definitions share the following components which make cyberbullying distinct from traditional bullying:=
Initial research has demonstrated that being a victim of cyberbullying may negatively impact students’ physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functioning (2). Experts also claim that it is important for schools to ensure that they take reasonable precautions to protect their students from online aggression and respond to reported cases of cyberbullying in order to maintain a safe school climate (4 & 5). Experts also claim that school personnel need to understand what cyberbullying is, how it affects students, and what they can do to create a safe school environment. The goal of this article is to provide initial steps in addressing cyberbullying in schools.
Using The Three-Tiered Model
A three-tiered model focused on prevention and intervention incorporates a “whole school” approach to bullying prevention that educates school staff, students, and parents and facilitates changes in beliefs, behaviors, and social norms that foster support and trust. A primary emphasis of many school-based bullying prevention programs is to intervene at Tier 1 to broadly educate students, staff, and parents and change the normative climate so bullying is seen as unacceptable. Additional supports and services may be needed to respond to potential and actual instances of cyberbullying at Tiers 2 and 3. At Tier 2, school interventionss target groups of students at risk of being involved in cyberbullying. And lastly, at Tier 3 school interventions provide intensive, and individualized support. Use the Three-Tiered Model to anticipate, plan & prepare, and educate the larger school community on cyberbullying prevention. The following is an example of initial steps in addressing cyberbullying in schools:
Develop A Plan
1) Create a Team. Form a team to focus on cyberbullying or expand the current bullying team to include cyberbullying.
2) Assess. Gather data on the current level of cyberbullying at your school to determine the extent of the problem.
Beginning Prevention/Intervention Efforts
1) Awareness of Cyberbullying. Many parents and students may not realize the dangers associated with electronic media so education should be broad and include school staff, students, parents, and other relevant community members.
2) Create Policies and Procedures. Preventative interventions that target school bullying by changing norms about bullying and school context may decrease electronic bullying so schools need clear policies. Clearly establish the fact that technology will not be used for bullying or harassing others. The following points should be addressed/considered:
3) Formulate a Plan to Respond to Victims. School psychologists and other support staff are critical in working with victims of cyberbullying. This type of work may include the following:
4) Plan for dealing with reported cases. Even with good prevention efforts in place, a plan for handling reported cases of cyberbullying is necessary (1).
Conclusion
Cyberbullying is a growing problem and cannot be ignored by school administrations. To implement school-based cyberbullying intervention, administrators should use the three-tiered model – a model focused on prevention and intervention and incorporates a “whole school” approach to bullying prevention.
To prevent a majority of online incidents, at Tier 1, set clear policies and procedures for students, teachers, and parents, coupled with a broad education initiative to establish a school climate that does not tolerate cyberbullying. Secondary or Tier 2 interventions should target students at risk of being involved in cyberbullying. For example, forming student groups to teach problem-solving and conflict resolution skills paired with a clear, nonthreatening avenue for students to report cyberbullying incidents will provide support to these students. Lastly, at the tertiary level, intensive, individualized interventions should be provided.
References