Cyberbullying

National Crime Prevention Council 2011

2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Goal of This Presentation

To inform participants of the tragic effects of cyberbullying and detail strategies for preventing and responding to this form of abuse.

2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Objectives
To identify and understand

What is cyerbullying Various cyberbullying behaviors The tragic effects of cyberbullying The warning signs that a child is being cyberbullied Steps adults can take to prevent and address cyberbullying
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What is Cyberbullying?

2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is using the Internet, cell phones, or other technology to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person.

2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Examples of Cyberbullying
Starting rumors through instant messaging Name calling in chat rooms Forwarding private messages to others Insults through social media websites Posting demeaning pictures of someone else Making fake profiles on websites, such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.
2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Cyberbullying Differs From Traditional Bullying

Cyberbullying Can be Anonymous Traditional Bullying Direct/In person

May occur in childs home

May seem inescapable May be an extension of traditional bullying
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Happens on school/community property

Can escape at home

2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Cyberbullying: The Facts

Things posted online are visible to the world 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cruel messages can be sent, forwarded, or viewed by virtually anyone.

Messages can be sent in a split second.

Cyberbullying can be an extension of bullying that youth are experiencing in school.

It can be harsher because people tend to act differently online than in person.
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Facts and Figures

Teens spend an average of 26.8 hours a week online. 72 percent of teens have some type of social networking profile. 60 percent of teens use instant messaging. 91 percent of teens have an e-mail address.
Source: Cox Communications 2009

2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Facts and Figures (continued)

43 percent of teens have experienced some form of cyberbullying. Cyberbullying victimization is higher among females than males. 36 percent of females report having experienced some form of cyberbullying compared to 33 percent of males. 16 percent of females and 18 percent of males report that they have cyberbullied.
Source: NCPC 2007
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Why Do Youth Cyberbully?

81 percent think its funny. 64 percent say they simply dont like the person. 45 percent view the victim as a loser. 58 percent probably didnt see the action as a big deal.
Source: NCPC Teens and Cyberbully Survey, 2007

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Why Prevention Matters

Bullying is not a rite of passage. Youth who are cyberbullied may lack a safe retreat. It can be emotionally damaging. You can empower youth to seek help and not suffer alone.

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Why Prevention Matters

Victim service providers report why youth chose not seek help: 61 percent report that youth feel they can handle the situation on their own. 52 percent report youth are concerned about retaliation if they report. 37 percent believe youth are ashamed of the incident. 38 percent believe youth fear getting into trouble because of the incident.
Source: NCPC 2010 Cyberbullying Prevention Research
2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

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Youth Testimonies
I think I could put up with a certain amount of bullying, but if it got really hurtful, I would speak out. Unless they are threatening your life or the life of someone you know, it shouldnt matter. I think most kids are reluctant to tell someone because they think it makes them look like a little kid who is tattling.
2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

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Who Cyberbullies?
Can come from any economic, cultural, or religious background Lack empathy Are concerned with their own desires rather than those of others Find it difficult to see things from someone elses perspective Are willing to use others to get what they want
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How Does it Feel?

Youth who are cyberbullied report
55 percent feel angry
43 percent feel helpless 42 percent feel scared 36 percent feel vulnerable 23 percent are looking for revenge
Source: NCPC 2010 Cyberbullying Prevention Research

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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

How Do Victims React?

Victims of cyberbullying have
Asked the bully to stop
Blocked the communication Talked to friends about bullying Signed offline Did nothing

Least likely response: talk to parents about the incident

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Spotting the Signs of Cyberbullying

Emotional Social/Behavioral Academic

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Emotional Signs

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Withdrawal or shyness Depression Moody Irritable Anxiety Aggressive behavior Suicide ideation Loss of self-esteem
2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Social/Behavioral
Suddenly stops using computer Upset after using computer or cell phone Changes in eating or sleeping habits (e.g., nightmares) No longer wanting to participate in activities once enjoyed Hurting self, attempting or threatening suicide Suddenly changing or avoiding friends
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Academic
Not wanting to go to school Skipping school Lost interest in school Drop in grades

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RED FLAG
The biggest red flag that a child is being cyberbullied is a withdrawal from technology. If you notice a sudden change in computer or phone usage talk to the child, they may be a victim of cyberbullying.
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Warning Signs That Someone is Cyberbullying Others

Spends large amounts of time on computer Hides or turns off monitor when someone approaches Appears anxious while using computer Especially upset when technological privileges are revoked

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Awareness Video

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Small Group Discussion

Question 1: What are some things victim service providers, SROs, or school counselors can do within the school to prevent cyberbullying? Question 2: What types of training or resources should school staff and faculty receive on cyberbullying? Question 3: What is your school or community doing to address the issue of cyberbullying? What more could be done?
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What YOU Can Do

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Cyberbullying Prevention
For Parents For Educators For Law Enforcement Officers For Community Partners

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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Where Youth Go for Help

69 percent turn to parents. 52 percent reach out to friends. 23 percent talk with a teacher. 8 percent would call a victims hotline or victims advocate.
Source: NCPC 2010 Teen Nation Research

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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Parents
Learn what teens are doing online and keep track of their online behavior. Use the Internet with your children. Talk with youth about cyberbullyingthe consequences and harmful effects. Communicate online rules and responsibilities to youth. Keep computers in a highly trafficked room where online activities are hard to hide.
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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Educators
Request that youth sign an Internet safety pledge promising not to cyberbully. Establish acceptable Internet use and anticyberbullying policies in school.

Talk to and educate students on the issue of cyberbullying. Let students know where they can turn for help. Educate parents on the importance of creating Internet use rules at home.
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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Law Enforcement Officers

Stay up-to-date on cyberbullying issues and laws. Educate yourself on the latest technologies youth use. Speak out to students, parents, and educators about the dangers of the Internet. Talk with school officials about creating an anti-cyberbullying policy on school grounds.
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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Community Partners
Organize a community discussion on cybersafety involving students, parents, educators, law enforcement, etc. Provide counseling, extended service programs, or other youth programs or services. Work with school technology departments to make sure youth are being safe. Help recruit additional volunteers to take an active role in cyberbullying prevention.
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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

For Everyone
Take complaints about cyberbullying seriously. Support the child being bullied. Reassure the child that he or she was right to tell you the problem. Empower youth witnessing the bullying. Work together to address the problem!

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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Programs and Services

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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

NCPC Programs/Resources
McGruff Club Community Works Be Safe and Sound Samanthas Choice Public Service Advertising

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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

McGruff Club
Scripted lessons guide instructors through classroom discussions and activities for children in grades 1 through 4. Activities, incorporating proven teaching strategies, develop childrens critical thinking and communication skills. Lessons build upon each other, so children enhance their skills as they age through the program.
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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Community Works
Comprehensive curriculum which includes 31 sessions on community safety, violent crimes, substance abuse, property crimes, hate crimes, and bullying and cyberbullying.

Lessons to guide young people through a service-learning project

Short warm-up activities that nurture positive relationships among teens.
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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Be Safe and Sound

Program Model
Step 1: Build an action team Step 2: Assess safety and security issues Engages school administrators, parents, students, law enforcement, and other community members in making school safer.
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Step 3: Hold a school safety and security forum

Step 4: Develop an action plan

Step 5: Publicize activities Step 6: Promote your cause

Step 7: Evaluate success

2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Samanthas Choice
Samanathas Choice is a fiveminute video that follows the story of a young girl who is afraid to go to ballet class, for fear of being bullied. Specifically aimed at respect in the community, this new anti-bullying animated short has an educators guide with instructions on how to use the video in a classroom or club setting.
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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

NCPC Public Service Advertising

For more information on NCPCs Public Service Advertising, please visit www.ncpc.org.
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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Whom To Contact
Local Law Enforcement-There is no national law against cyberbullying. Your local law enforcement is your best first resource. National Center for Victims Of Crime Helpline: 1800-FYI-CALL (1-800-395-2255) Suicide Prevention Hotline:1-800-SUICIDE (1-800784-2433)

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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Additional Resources
www.wiredsafety.org

-Provides Internet safety information for children, teens, and adults

www.stopcyberbullying.org -Provides cyberbullying prevention and Internet safety information for parents, teachers, police officers, and children and youth www.stopbullyingnow.org -Provides information for adults and children on cyberbullying and face-to-face bullying

www.bullypolice.org
Lists cyberbullying laws state by state
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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

Question and Answers?

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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org

The National Crime Prevention Council

2001 Jefferson Davis Highway Suite 901 Arlington, VA 22202 202-466-6272 202-296-1356 fax www.ncpc.org
*This project was produced by Grant No. 2009-SZ-B9-K007 awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this document are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

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Presenter Contact Information

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2011 National Crime Prevention Council www.ncpc.org