Bonita Teasley: Here are two keys to preventing cyberbullying

Originally published on The Salt Lake Tribune – October 8th, 2023

All schools should encourage learning and open dialogue about digital citizenship and ethical behavior online.

The issue is especially important to educators at the Career Academy of Utah (CAU), because we know our students will spend a portion of their time online.

Whether traditional or virtual, schools play a pivotal role in educating students about responsible online behavior and fostering a safe learning environment. At CAU, we incorporate comprehensive cyberbullying prevention programs into our curriculum and our culture. These programs teach students about the consequences of cyberbullying, the importance of empathy and respect online, and strategies for approaching and reporting incidents. They also teach students what to do if they feel attacked or unsafe online. We urge all schools to encourage learning and open dialogue about digital citizenship and the role of ethical behavior in an online world.

According to Pew Research Center, nearly half of U.S. teens have been cyberbullied, with experiences ranging from offensive name calling and false rumor spreading to receiving physical threats and having explicit images of them shared without their consent.

Closer to home, in public and charter school districts across Utah, the 2021 SHARP Survey found nearly 27% of Utah students surveyed reported being threatened or harassed via the internet, email or cell phone.

Cyberbullying isn’t just harmless online teasing. It devastates adolescents’ emotional and psychological well-being and stifles their ability to learn in school.

Of course, parents and caregivers also play a huge role in monitoring children’s online activities. Consider these steps to help prevent cyberbullying:

Learn the ropes

Families and educators must learn about the social media platforms and apps children use. Understanding the digital landscape is key to identifying potential dangers.

Embrace clear communication

To combat the dangers of cyberbullying, parents and schools must work in tandem by talking with students about their online experiences. It is crucial kids have safe spaces to share negative encounters and know they can seek support without fear of punishment. CAU, for example, has clear reporting procedures in place and can act quickly to investigate and address incidents.

Of course, parents and caregivers also play a huge role in monitoring children’s online activities. Consider these steps to help prevent cyberbullying:

Take mental health challenges seriously

It’s important schools offer mental health resources to support students affected by cyberbullying. For example, CAU offers regular assemblies on healthy coping strategies, daily social and emotional learning (SEL) lessons, small group SEL assistance for students with greater needs and targeted parental support as needed with families.

These programs reinforce the point that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is also recommended parents proactively identify signs of distress in their children and seek professional help when needed.

In the battle against cyberbullying, school leaders and parents are strong allies. At CAU, we encourage the community to join us in sending a powerful message that cyberbullying will not be tolerated, students should reach out for help and we must all work toward making the digital world a place where every child can learn, grow and thrive.