Turn Down the Dial on Cyberbullying and Online Cruelty

Learning Objective Students will be able to... reflect on the factors that intensify online cruelty and cyberbullying. identify what targets and upstanders can do when online cruelty occurs. recognize their own role in escalating or de-escalating online cruelty.

Warm-Up 1. What do you think about when you hear the phrase “Online Cruelty”? 2. What doe “Cyber-Bullying” mean to you?

What Cyber-Bullying Really is Online cruelty, also referred to as cyberbullying, takes place WHENEVER someone uses digital media tools (such as the Internet and cell phones) to deliberately upset or harass someone else, often repeatedly. This means that ANY TIME someone is talked about in a negative, insulting, or in a joking manner, there is a potential for cyber-bullying.

Ricardo’s Scenario

Do you think Ricardo is a cyberbully? Why or Why Not? What does Ricardo mean when he says that information “gets around really quick”? Ricardo thinks that harassing others on the Internet, rather than in person, appeals to some teenagers because they can’t be attacked back physically. What do you think? Have you ever encountered online cruelty? How do you think someone might feel after being the target of it?

Terms to Remember Target – The victim who is being talked about, harassed, or offended in the act of online cruelty Offender – The person harassing, attacking, or insulting the victim.

When others join in The targets of online cruelty may feel they can be bombarded with negative comments at any time, anywhere. What do you think happens when others join in on the online cruelty?

Escalation Cyberbullying always starts online, but it has the potential to escalate. When something escalates, it becomes a bigger problem, and the acts against the victim often become worse. In rare occasions, the situation de-escalates, which means that the situation works itself out and the offense no longer continues.

Bystanders and Upstanders When cases of cyberbullying occur, it is possible that there are bystanders and upstanders present. A bystander is a person who is present when an incident of cyberbullying takes place. They do not take part, but they see it happen. An upstander is someone who recognizes when something is wrong and acts on it by doing something to make it right.

Let’s see how it plays out Let’s watch Stacey’s story and see how it all plays out. Consider who the target and offenders are. Consider who the bystanders and upstanders are. Consider whether the event escalated or de-escalated.

Stacey’s Story

Review Who was involved in the story and what roles did they play? Who was the target? Who were the offenders? Were there bystanders and/or upstanders? How do you think the online cruelty might be different from offline behavior? What do you think you might have done if you were Stacey? What could you have done if you wanted to be an upstander in this situation?

De-Escalating Online Cruelty TargetsUpstanders Ignore and block the bully. Offenders often want attention. Take it away and they may give up. Save the evidence. You may need it later for documentation. Change your privacy settings. Allow only people you trust to see or comment on your pages. Tell trusted friends and adults. Create a support network. Stand up to the offender when appropriate. If you see something negative, say something. Make it clear that you think online cruelty is wrong, and tell the offender to back off. (It may be easier to do this if you have good standing with the offender. Point out the bully’s motivation to the target. Comfort the target by explaining that many offenders act cruelly just to gain control, power, or status. Help the target advocate. Help the target find friends and school leaders who can help de-escalate the situation. It’s easier to stand up to cruelty when you are not alone. Consider these ways to de-escalate online cruelty as a target and/or as an upstander.

Review Have you or a friend ever experienced a situation similar to Stacey’s? How might the strategies in the chart have helped you in that situation? What prevents a bystander from taking action? What advice would you give someone to convince them to be upstanding?

“Dial it Down” Now, you will be mapping out two stories on the provided worksheet. One will show how online cruelty can escalate You can choose to use a personal experience, observation, or, if necessary, “Stacey’s Story” for explanation. The other will show how it might have de-escalated if the victim in your scenario had some upstanders on his/her side.

Wrap-Up Now that we have discussed cyber-bullying in detail, let’s test your knowledge on cyber-bullying.

Wrap-Up Questions 1. What are some roles that different people play in cyberbullying situations, and how would you describe each one? 2. What are some ways that online cruelty and cyberbullying can escalate, or intensify? 3. Why is it important to be an upstander rather than a bystander?

Cyber-bullying is Serious! Cyber-bullying is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly. Some cases of online cruelty, have led to suicides, attempted suicides, self-harm, and depression. Sometimes, people don’t know that they are bullying, and don’t even realize the harm they are causing the victim.

Final Activity Let’s watch one final video. was-cyber-bullied/

Group Session In groups, consider the following questions: 1. What did you notice about the situation? 2. What factors escalated the situation to a serious level? 3. What might have de-escalated this situation? 4. What steps should you take if you think you are witnessing cyber-bullying? 5. Who else can you talk to about issues with cyber- bullying?

Final Notes Remember, Neuwirth Leadership Academy has a zero tolerance policy for bullying, whether it is cyber-bullying, verbal bullying, or physical bullying. In general, whether a policy exists or not, always remember the damage that can come from bullying. Do not put yourself in a situation where you become the offender, whether you start it, or you are being part of what others have said and done. There’s never a good reason for attacking another person. There should be no excuse as to why you became the offender.