What are the most impactful cyberbullying prevention programs available?

Having a broader conversation around social media and the internet is essential. Cyberbullying can take both passive (what I call digital self-harming) and active (actual cyberbullying), the two are closely interlinked. Passive (AKA Digital Self-Harming) comes from misunderstanding social media and having a depressive or biased view based on portrayed images or lifestyle on social media. Cyberbullying is a broad topic that can involve simply commenting on other negative posts through to actual digital bullying, encouraging an open dialogue and fostering a conversation that empowers them to discuss their online life. A lot of bullying can also happen in the perceived safe haven of online games.

In NJ, most juveniles who violate the law are offered what is called a Station House Adjustment (SHA). The conditions of an SHA can be set at the discretion of the officer. In my county, we’ve had access to organizations who provide great SHA programs. These organizations can take a juvenile who (Ex: is charged with cyber harassment) and place that juvenile in a cyber harassment/therapy program to address the root causes of their bullying. These programs can last months. An SHA is used in lieu of charges. So if the juvenile does not comply, they’ll be charged. Most other departments have juveniles write an essay/apology about their actions, but I’ve found the programs offered in the county to be far superior.

Programa Olweus Bullying Prevention Program: Criado pelo psicólogo Dan Olweus, esse programa é uma abordagem abrangente para prevenir e reduzir o bullying, incluindo o cyberbullying, por meio de estratégias educativas, envolvimento dos pais e cria??o de uma cultura escolar mais segura e colaborativa. Programa Be Strong Online: Desenvolvido pela National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), esse programa oferece recursos educacionais e atividades práticas para ajudar crian?as e adolescentes a lidar com o cyberbullying. Programa Stop Bullying Now!: Criado pelo governo dos Estados Unidos, esse programa fornece recursos e ferramentas educacionais para estudantes.

Cyberbullying hurts. Education is the shield against it. Programs focused on digital empathy and respect can transform online communities, making them safer and kinder for everyone. These initiatives provide workshops for students, parents, and educators, equipping them with strategies to tackle cyberbullying effectively. By instilling an understanding of online impact, they aim to foster empathy and respect in the digital realm.

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP): Focuses on changing school climate and social norms with a significant emphasis on adult involvement. KiVa Anti-Bullying Program: Targets bullies and bystanders with tools to support victims and change bully behavior, incorporating lessons and activities to foster empathy. Second Step: A social-emotional learning program with modules on empathy, emotion management, and cyberbullying. Common Sense Education: Provides a comprehensive K-12 Digital Citizenship Curriculum focusing on safe online behavior and cyberbullying. DigiLitEY (Digital Literacy and Young Learners): Addresses digital literacy and early prevention of cyberbullying for young children.

Stand tall against cyberbullying! Peer support programs are the secret weapon. With trained mentors and a supportive community, we can turn the tide and create a safer, kinder online world. Together, let's empower each other to stand up, speak out, and make a difference in the digital realm. ????

Peer support programs foster a safe online space, urging young users to combat cyberbullying by supporting peers. Trained mentors provide guidance, lend an ear, and facilitate adult intervention when needed. This empowers both victims and bystanders to promote a positive online culture.

Alright team, listen up! Clear policies are our playbook against cyberbullying. Schools and organizations that lay down the law on online behavior set the stage for success. Reporting guidelines and swift protocols? That's our game plan for shutting down cyberbullying fast. Let's show 'em we mean business, creating a culture where respect rules and bullying gets benched for good!

Whenever we hold the “5K Against Bullying” (which our department sponsors and organizes), we have agencies/organizations present at the 5k who distribute flyers offering free empowerment programs. Some of these programs are homework help/self defense class run by non-profits in our area. I’m of the belief that the more free programs or resources you can offer juveniles and families, the better.

The most impactful cyberbullying prevention programs include: -StopBullying.gov: Provides resources and actionable advice for parents, educators, and students to prevent and address cyberbullying. -STOMP Out Bullying: Offers a digital harassment prevention program that educates about online safety and how to be digital leaders. -Cyberbully Hotline: Allows anonymous reporting of bullying incidents and provides school educational materials. -Common Sense Media: Delivers digital citizenship programs to help students make smart and safe decisions online. -The CyberSmile Foundation: focuses on promoting positivity online and supports cyberbullying victims through helplines and resources.