: How Schools can Empower Kids who are Cyberbullied

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(409 Words)
Cyberbullying is a large problem for America’s schoolchildren. Many of these start from relationships formed in school, thus it is vital for schools to take action. There are different ways that educational institutions can empower kids who are cyberbullied. The following steps should be considered.
Teach about why it is unacceptable
The students can help empower children who are being cyberbullied by explaining why it is unacceptable. They can help stop some of it, especially if the would-be bullies understand the consequences that can come. Many areas are now passing laws against this after a series of high-profile cyberbullying issues ended with serious consequences.
When cyberbullying occurs, it is not the victim who has the problem but the bully. Although they are usually the ones with issues, it is often the victims who are called names or made to feel bad. The schools should work to teach the children this. They should teach the kids that they should not let their self-esteem be affected by cyberbullies who are the ones with the true problems.
The schools can help teach the kids how to deal with it
The schools can teach the students steps to help reduce cyberbullying. For instance, ignoring a cyberbully (as long as they do not pose a real threat such as someone who is threatening bodily harm) is often the way to go. The victims of cyberbullying don’t need to allow themselves to be victims. They can ignore the cyberbullies and just delete their messages. The schools can also teach them that you can block many of these messages in many programs. They should tell the children to learn about how to do that if the cyberbully is harassing them through a certain website.
Provide a place where they can go for help
There are times when the school need sot do more than just counsel the kids. Sometimes they need to take action on the children’s behalf. This is especially important if the cyberbully is making true threats. They should have a place where the children can go to put forth a complaint about someone. They should ensure that they can remain anonymous if the person is worried about being targeted. They can even have a way for children to complain without revealing their identity such as a drop box.
It is important for schools to address the issue the issue of cyberbullying. The above tips can help and should be considered by the schools.
Updated On: 09/07/2010 Published On: 09/07/2010 Article ViewerClose
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