Cyberbullying is a very big problem in schools that have an internet connection and computers. This makes it very important for teachers to implement methods that can prevent this. 

However, it can be challenging to monitor and control the use of computers by students. We will be discussing how to address cyberbullying and online safety in schools. 

How To Identify Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is the use of electronics to bully a person. It typically involves the bully sending mean, threatening, or degrading messages to another person. 

How Common Is Cyberbullying?

According to statistics, roughly 21% of children are bullied at least once in their lifetime. Of this 21%, 11.5% experience cyberbullying. This makes it one of the most common forms of bullying in the world. 

Why Is Cyberbullying So Dangerous? 

The internet can be used to share information with millions of people worldwide. This makes it very dangerous as lies and hurtful posts can spread like wildfire. 

How To Promote Online Safety In Schools

A very good way to enforce online safety in schools is to create a school policy. By getting the students to sign this policy, they make a promise that they will not do part-take in any unsafe online activities. If they break this promise, they can be held liable. 

Students should be taught about online safety and privacy. If they understand the dangers of the internet, they are more likely to be careful and wary when online. They should also know about the importance of having very strong passwords and keeping personal details safe. 

You could also try blocking sites that are dangerous. However, you cannot block every site that poses a threat. It is more effective to monitor the use of computers and punish students that use the internet incorrectly. 

How To Prevent Cyberbullying

If students know about the importance of being safe on the internet, they are less likely to be involved in cyberbullying. However, some students simply do not care about safety and find it necessary to threaten or post mean messages about other students online. There are a few ways in which cyberbullying could be prevented in schools. 

Create An Effective Cyberbullying Reporting System

Students that are cyberbullied need support. An excellent way in which you could provide help to these students is by creating a cyberbullying reporting system. This will make you aware of when cyberbullying is occurring and enable you to punish the bullies that are behind it. 

Educate The Students On Cyberbullying

If students know what cyberbullying is and how they can receive help, they are less likely to be as badly affected by it. 

Make Students Aware Of Privacy Controls

Privacy controls can be used to restrict the number of people that can see your posts. Teachers should make students aware of these privacy controls as it could prevent or reduce cyberbullying. ​​​​

Teach Students to Block Bullies From Their Social Media

If students want to avoid contact from bullies on social media, all they have to do is block them. Take Pedagogue for example. It is a social media network for educators, students and parents. It allows users to block annoying bullies and decide who can interact with them.

Conclusion

It is crucial that teachers make students aware of the dangers of cyberbullying. To prevent it, they should create an effective cyber bullying reporting system and educate their students on the topic. Students should also be made aware of the importance of being safe when online.