Cyberbullying involves bullying through electronic means such as social media, instant messaging, and cell phones. It can occur directly by sending hostile messages to the victim or indirectly by using others to help bully the victim. Common forms of cyberbullying include flaming, identity theft, photoshopping, rumor spreading, and sexting. Surveys show that over half of adolescents have experienced cyberbullying or have cyberbullied others. Tips are provided for parents, teachers, and students on how to recognize and respond to cyberbullying.

1. CyberbullyingMarc KuhnEDLS 704Bullying and CyberbullyingCyberbullyingMarc KuhnEDLS 704

2. What is cyberbullying?Bullying through internet applicationsInstant messaging, social networks sites, cell phonesVictims can be targeted anywhere, anytimeTwo types- directly and by proxyDirectly- sent to your kids directlyProxy- using others to help bullyProxy much more dangerous because it can get adults involvedWhen adults become involved, it becomes cyber-stalking of cyber harassment

3. Forms of cyberbullyingFlaming/Trolling- sending hostile messages to inflame the emotions of othersHappy-slapping-recording someone being bullied and posting it for public viewingIdentity Theft-stealing someone’s password to hack into accounts and post humiliating pictures, videos, or informationPhotoshopping-doctoring digital images to put victim in embarrassing situationPhysical threats-sending threats to a person’s physical safetyRumor spreading-spreading gossip through email, messaging, or social network sitesSexting- sending nude or provocative pictures to someome else on a cell phone

4. StatisticsIn a recent survey of 1500 eighth graders:58% of kids say that someone has said hurtful things about them online53% of kids admit saying something hurtful about someone else online42% of kids say they have been bullied online58% of kids say they have not told parents or adults that they have been bullied online

5. I-Safe FoundationOver half of adolescents have been bullied online and about the same number have bullied onlineMore than 1 in 3 young people have experienced cyberthreats25% have been bullied repeatedlyWell over half never tell their parents56% of cyber bullying occurs in chat rooms

6. Victimization

7. Cyberbullying Deaths in News2010- Phoebe Prince (MA)2006- Megan Meier (MO)2003- Ryan Halligan (VT)2009- Carl Walker-Hoover (MA)2010- Alexis Pilkington (NY)2010- Tyler Clementi (NJ)

8. Tips for ParentsParents need to be the one trusted place for kids to go when things go wrong online or offline.Do not overreact, but take it seriouslyContact the schoolAsk yourself: Is my child at risk of physical harm? How are they doing emotionally?Contact local law enforcement agencyMonitor your child regularly

9. Tips for TeachersHave a clear understanding of what cyberbullying is and isn’tTalk to your students- education is the keyKnow your school policies and review them so that you understand themSet and discuss boundaries with studentsRecognize the signs and get help if neededTeach children how to “Take 5” and think before they postEncourage students to report cyberbullying

10. Tips for StudentsTell a trusted adult if you are being cyberbulliedDo not open, read, or respond to messages from cyberbulliesIf it is school related, tell your schoolDo not erase messages. They could be used later to take action against the cyberbullyIf bullied through chat or IM, the bully can often be blockedIf you are threatened with harm, call the police

11. Let’s Watch a Video Cliphttp://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/29/earlyshow/main6343077.shtml

12. BibliographyBeware of the cyber bully. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.isafe.org/imgs/pdf/education/CyberBullying.pdfCurriculum helps teachers fight cyberbullying. (2010, December 16). Retrieved from http://generationi.wordpress.com/2008/12/16/curriculum-helps-teachers-fight-cyberbullying/Cyberbullying continued after teen's death. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/03/29/earlyshow/main6343077.shtml

13. Bibliography (con’t.)Cyberbullying research center. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.cyberbullying.us/research.phpCyberbullying statistics. (2011). Retrieved from http://safety.lovetoknow.com/Cyber_Bullying_StatisticsCyberbullying statistics. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/cyber-bullying-statistics.htmlHinduja, S. (2009). Cyberbullying. Retrieved from http://www.netsmartz.org/Cyberbullying

14. Bibliography (con’t.)Illinois Attorney General, (n.d.). Cyberbullying- tips for teachers and advocates Retrieved from http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/cyberbullying/TipsForTeachers_0108.pdfRutgers student suicide renews debate over cyberbullying. (2010, October 1). Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/10/01/rutgers-student-suicide-renews-debate-cyberbullying/Stop cyberbullying-what it is,how it works, why cyberbully? prevention, take action, what's the law?. (2010, October). Retrieved from http://www.stopcyberbullying.org/index2.html

15. BibliographyTeen's death highlights cyber bullying trend. (2009, July 23). Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-07-23/teens-death-highlights-cyber-bullying-trend/1363362