Cyberbullying Warning Signs: Red Flags that your Child is Involved in Cyberbullying

  • A child may be a victim of cyberbullying is he or she:

    • Unexpectedly stops using the computer
    • Appears nervous or jumpy when an Instant Message, text message, or Email appears
    • Appears uneasy about going to school or outside in general
    • Appears to be angry, depressed, or frustrated after using the computer
    • Avoids discussions about what they are doing on the computer
    • Becomes abnormally withdrawn from usual friends and family members

    A child may be cyberbullying others if he or she:

    • Quickly switches screens or closes programs when you walk by
    • Uses the computer at all hours of the night
    • Gets unusually upset if he/she cannot use the computer
    • Laughs excessively while using the computer
    • Avoids discussions about what they are doing on the computer
    • Uses multiple online accounts or using an account that is not their own

    Source: The Cyberbullying Research Center

    Prevention Strategies:

    • Establish clear policy prohibiting bullying and then communicate it to students, staff and parents
    • Train staff
    • Integrate lessons and activities in the curriculum
    • Take reports of bullying seriously and act
    • Respond to incidents with both discipline and guidance strategies

    Intervention Strategies:

    • Act quickly as soon as you see or hear of a situation and inform an administrator
    • Name the behavior
    • Document all actions related to the incident using RISD forms
    • Contact parents and ask them for their help in addressing behaviors; keep them informed
    • Provide appropriate consequences following RISD Student Code of Conduct
    • Provide counseling for the victim and bully