Originally published on The Oklahoman – October 10th, 2023
Every year, more than 2 million American high school students face cyberbullying, according to StopBullying.gov.
The site, run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, reported 16% of students in ninth through 12th grades face harassment, embarrassment, threats or humiliation from other people online.
Bullying isn’t just harmless online fun. It puts adolescents’ emotional and psychological well-being at risk and stifles their ability to learn in school.
Whether traditional or virtual, schools play a pivotal role in educating students about responsible online behavior and fostering a safe learning environment. Schools should incorporate comprehensive cyberbullying prevention programs into their curriculum and 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. All schools should encourage learning and open dialogue about digital citizenship and the role of ethical behavior in an online world.
Of course, schools cannot and should not address this issue alone. Parents and caregivers are the first line of defense when it comes to their children’s online activities. Here are several steps schools and parents can take to prevent cyberbullying:
- Learn the ropes: Families and educators must learn about the social media platforms and apps their kids/students use. Understanding the digital landscape is key to identifying potential dangers. Responsible adults should also model kindness, empathy and respect — both in person and online.
- Embrace clear communication: To combat the dangers of cyberbullying, parents and schools must work in tandem. Parents and caregivers must talk with teens about their online experiences. It’s crucial to create both home and school environments in which kids can freely share negative encounters; they need to know they can seek support without fear of punishment. Clear reporting procedures should be in place and schools should act quickly to investigate and address incidents.
- Take mental health challenges seriously: Every school should offer mental health resources to support students affected by cyberbullying. Counselors and support staff can host weekly groups for students at each grade level, using curriculum centered on skill development and supporting social, emotional and mental health. Students’ relationships with themselves and others are nurtured within these programs, which reinforces the point that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Parents also should proactively identify signs of distress in their children and seek professional help when needed. Encourage students to talk to their parents and teachers when they are affected by personal and social challenges. Support staff and counselors should be available to meet with students one on one, or on a virtual campus. If needed, school staff could link families to an e-therapy partner for online counseling support.
In the battle against cyberbullying, school leaders and parents are strong allies. Let’s send a powerful message that cyberbullying will not be tolerated; that students have help when needed; and that the digital world should be a place in which every child can learn, grow and thrive without fear.
Jessica Bishop is a student family resource coordinator for Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy.
To learn more about Oklahoma Virtual Charter Academy, visit https://ovca.k12.com/.
