Read the latest news and brand new pieces on youth, social media, and emerging technologies! We focus on preventing harm and promoting positive online behaviors.

Student Plays to Combat Bullying post thumbnail

Student Plays to Combat Bullying

We are always interested in sharing cool ideas that schools are doing to promote positive climates and reduce peer conflict and bullying.  One idea that has worked very well in some communities is the creation and performance of a school play with social norming messages interwoven in the fabric of its storyline. It can include […]

Advice to Teen Girls about Bullying and Drama post thumbnail

Advice to Teen Girls about Bullying and Drama

I was recently asked to write a guest blog directed towards teen girls and related to issues of harassment and bullying online and offline…and so I wanted to share it with our readers.  It has a very conversational tone, and reflects what I want to convey to this population as they navigate the difficult waters […]

Catfishing as a Form of Cyberbullying post thumbnail

Catfishing as a Form of Cyberbullying

“Catfishing,” at least in the online world, refers to the practice of setting up a fictitious online profile, most often for the purpose of luring another into a fraudulent romantic relationship.  The Urban Dictionary defines a “catfish” as: “someone who pretends to be someone they’re not using Facebook or other social media to create false […]

Social Exclusion and Bullying post thumbnail

Social Exclusion and Bullying

I have been thinking about the concept of “social exclusion” as it relates to cyberbullying, and really wanted to hear some thoughts from our readers. People are by nature social. The second worst punishment that we can dream up in this country is solitary confinement. We know it hurts, we know it drives people crazy, […]

Social Influences on Cyberbullying Behaviors Among Middle and High School Students post thumbnail

Social Influences on Cyberbullying Behaviors Among Middle and High School Students

Sameer and I wrote a paper that was recently published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence that examines the influence of peers, parents, and educators on the cyberbullying behaviors of middle and high school students. It has long been known that adolescent behaviors (both positive and negative) are largely influenced by significant others.  Our […]

Social Influences on Cyberbullying Behaviors Among Middle and High School Students post thumbnail

Social Influences on Cyberbullying Behaviors Among Middle and High School Students

Sameer and I wrote a paper that was recently published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence that examines the influence of peers, parents, and educators on the cyberbullying behaviors of middle and high school students. It has long been known that adolescent behaviors (both positive and negative) are largely influenced by significant others.  Our […]

Fake Memorial Pages on Facebook, Pranks, and Cyberbullying post thumbnail

Fake Memorial Pages on Facebook, Pranks, and Cyberbullying

Canadian Cyberbullying Educator and Speaker Lissa Albert has been looking into the phenomenon of Fake Memorial Pages on Facebook, and whether these should be construed as simple, harmless pranks – or if they can be a form of harassment and, ultimately, cyberbullying with the significant potential for emotional and psychological harm.  We wanted to make […]

Anthony Zeno v. Pine Plains Central School District post thumbnail

Anthony Zeno v. Pine Plains Central School District

A new bullying case has emerged from the Second Circuit Court of Appeals (New York) which demonstrates that schools could potentially be held liable for monetary damages even in cases where they do take steps to respond to harassment that occurs in school.  The point this particular case makes is that a school response needs […]

Most Cyberbullies Are Bullies at School post thumbnail

Most Cyberbullies Are Bullies at School

Technology has given students immeasurable opportunities to communicate with friends and collaborate on schoolwork.  Of course it also allows those with ill-intent to use high-tech avenues as mediums to be mean.  One question that we have been exploring is the extent to which technology has created a whole new class of bullies.  Think about it: […]

Anonymous Reporting for Bullying and Cyberbullying Incidents post thumbnail

Anonymous Reporting for Bullying and Cyberbullying Incidents

Justin and I strongly believe in the value of anonymous reporting systems in schools.  Based on our experiences working with students across the nation, we have found that they want to speak up and let adults know what is going on (both offline and online), but they are very nervous that it will end up […]