How to Stop Cyber Bullies
Teach your students to be respectful of others online, as well as in the real world. They will not always receive the same respect they give, but make sure they know that the best way to handle most bullies is to ignore them. Bullies thrive on any kind of response or attention. You can also teach your students how to block bullies, and to avoid situations where they are most likely to encounter bullies or to be isolated. When the threat is serious, however, your students should know that they can talk to you about it any time.
It's important that kids know they do not have to accept any online activity that is meant to intimidate, threaten, tease or harm them or anyone else. So make sure that if your students encounter a bully online, they know what to do:
- Tell a trusted adult, and keep on telling them until they take action.
- Never open, read or respond to messages from cyber bullies.
- Do not erase messages from bullies. They may be needed if it is necessary to take legal or disciplinary action.
- If bullied through chat or instant messaging, use the software program to block the bully.
Make sure your students and their parents know that they should notify school officials if the bullying involves another student or is otherwise school-related. Most schools have bullying solutions in place that can help. If students are threatened with harm, however, they should talk to their parents and local police.
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