Cyberbullying Warning Signs: Red Flags that your Child is Involved in Cyberbullying
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A child may be a victim of cyberbullying is he or she:
- Unexpectedly stops using the computer
- Appears nervous or jumpy when an Instant Message, text message, or Email appears
- Appears uneasy about going to school or outside in general
- Appears to be angry, depressed, or frustrated after using the computer
- Avoids discussions about what they are doing on the computer
- Becomes abnormally withdrawn from usual friends and family members
A child may be cyberbullying others if he or she:
- Quickly switches screens or closes programs when you walk by
- Uses the computer at all hours of the night
- Gets unusually upset if he/she cannot use the computer
- Laughs excessively while using the computer
- Avoids discussions about what they are doing on the computer
- Uses multiple online accounts or using an account that is not their own
Source: The Cyberbullying Research Center
Prevention Strategies:
- Establish clear policy prohibiting bullying and then communicate it to students, staff and parents
- Train staff
- Integrate lessons and activities in the curriculum
- Take reports of bullying seriously and act
- Respond to incidents with both discipline and guidance strategies
Intervention Strategies:
- Act quickly as soon as you see or hear of a situation and inform an administrator
- Name the behavior
- Document all actions related to the incident using RISD forms
- Contact parents and ask them for their help in addressing behaviors; keep them informed
- Provide appropriate consequences following RISD Student Code of Conduct
- Provide counseling for the victim and bully