Warning signs a child is being cyberbullied to look out for:
- Noticeable increases or decreases in device use, including texting.
- A child exhibits emotional responses (laughter, anger, upset) to what is happening on their device.
- A child hides their screen or device when others are near, and avoids discussion about what they are doing on their device.
- Social media accounts are shut down or new ones appear.
- A child starts to avoid social situations, even those that were enjoyed in the past.
- A child becomes withdrawn or depressed, or loses interest in people and activities.
As teachers, it is important that we make sure all of our students are safe so they can get the best education they can. When they are being cyberbullied they are usually not able to focus in class, as they are constantly worried about it, and can't learn what is being taught. If you believe that one of your students is being cyberbullied, it is important to talk to them and their parents about it before doing anything else so that you can confirm your suspicions. It is also important to have digital awareness yourself, so that you know what is going on online and better understand what the kids are going through. Overall, the best thing you can do as a teacher is maintaining your role as a positive role model, and continuing to encourage students to work together and become self-aware, especially when it comes to their emotions.
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You mentioned that as a teacher it is important to have digital awareness and I couldn't agree more. This made me think of some times when I was growing up that I would be upset/mad about something happening on social media and my parents or another adult would just try to pass it off as nothing, when obviously it was affecting me. We can't make students feel like their problems don't matter, that will only make them feel worthless and they will close themselves off.
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