Sometimes, people might say or do things that are unkind. This can happen when they feel angry, upset, or jealous. While being unkind is not nice, bullying is much more serious. Bullying is when someone repeatedly uses their power to hurt or upset another person. This can include physical harm or saying mean things.
Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that happens online or through devices like phones. It can feel different because it can happen anytime and anywhere. Cyberbullies can hide who they are, making it harder to stop them. Plus, other people online might see what’s happening and could even join in, making it worse for the person being bullied.
If you see someone being bullied, whether in person or online, there are things you can do to help. Show them support by letting them know you care. Be an upstander, which means standing up for others and speaking out against the bully. It’s important to report what you see and tell a trusted adult about it.
If you ever encounter cyberbullying, remember that you can make a difference. Support the person being bullied, speak up against the bully, and report the situation to an adult you trust. By taking these actions, you can help make the internet a safer place for everyone.
Here are some extra tips to help you stay safe online:
Remember, being kind and respectful online helps create a positive and safe environment for everyone!
Role-Playing Scenarios: Gather a few friends or family members and create a short play about cyberbullying. One person can act as the cyberbully, another as the person being bullied, and others as upstanders. After acting out the scenario, discuss how each character felt and what actions helped resolve the situation. This will help you understand the impact of cyberbullying and the importance of being an upstander.
Cyberbullying Diary: Keep a diary for a week where you write down any kind acts you see online or in person. Also, note any unkind acts and how they were handled. At the end of the week, review your diary and think about how kindness can be spread more and how you can help stop unkindness or bullying when you see it.
Create a Safety Poster: Design a colorful poster that includes tips for staying safe online. Use drawings, stickers, or magazine cutouts to make it visually appealing. Include important safety tips like keeping personal information private and thinking before posting. Display your poster at home or in your classroom to remind everyone about online safety.
**NARRATOR:** When we are unkind, we might say or do things that hurt others. We might be feeling angry, upset, or jealous. It could happen once or maybe even twice. Being unkind is not okay, but bullying is much worse. Bullying is when someone uses their power repeatedly to hurt or upset someone. This could involve physical harm or saying hurtful things.
So then, what’s cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is similar to bullying, but it happens on the internet or on a device like your phone, which can make it feel different. With cyberbullying, it can be harder to escape because it can happen anywhere, anytime. Additionally, it’s easier for cyberbullies to hide their identities. Other people online might also witness what’s happening and even join in against someone.
If you see someone being bullied, whether in person or online, what can you do? Offer them support. It helps to show that you care. Be an upstander. Stand up for others and speak out against the bully. Report what you see and inform a trusted adult.
So, what will you do if you encounter cyberbullying?
