“Digital dating abuse” involves using technology to repetitively harass a romantic partner with the intent to control, coerce, intimidate, annoy or threaten them. Given that youth in relationships today are constantly in touch with each other via texting, social media, and video chat, more opportunities for digital dating abuse can arise. Below are ten tips to help keep teens safe online when it comes to romantic relationships.
A crossword puzzle to be distributed to youth to promote discussion about cyberbullying. Use it in the classroom, an after-school program, or even at home as a fun way to connect with kids about these issues, and how they can stay safe to enjoy all that the Internet, social media, and online gaming have to…
A word search to be distributed to youth to promote discussion about cyberbullying and Internet safety. Use it in the classroom, an after-school program, or even at home as a fun way to connect with kids about these issues, and how they can stay safe to enjoy all that the Internet, social media, and online…
A curated list of educational videos about cyberbullying, digital citizenship, and more that can be used in assemblies and presentations. Sameer and I regularly give presentations to students about the importance of using technology safely and responsibly. Due to time and resource constraints, this is often done in large school assemblies. By themselves, assemblies likely…
I have recently shared the most important considerations for schools planning to host bullying assembly programs according to research. Now, I wanted to turn your attention to bullying and cyberbullying speakers themselves. As you may know from your own experiences, there are fantastic ones out there, but there are also many who leave a lot…
For decades now, schools have been organizing assemblies to address bullying, substance abuse, and a variety of other student issues. Perhaps like me, you remember sitting through them during middle or high school school and – unfortunately – tuning out because you just didn’t feel like you could connect with the speaker. When it came…
This presentation provides youth professionals with a toolbox of actionable best practices to help cultivate empathy among students in order to reduce bullying and cyberbullying.
I’ve recently discussed the susceptibility of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to be cyberbullied, outlining a number of reasons that contribute to such victimization. When it comes to suggestions as to how we can help these kids, a few things stand out in my mind. First, it is really important to try to understand…
This regularly updated fact sheet provides a brief overview of the main elements of state sexting laws in the United States. More detailed information can be found here: https://cyberbullying.org/sexting-laws If you are aware of updates to the sexting laws in your state that are not included, please let us know. Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J.…
This Research Summary summarizes the current state of cyberbullying bills and laws across the United States. More detailed information can be found here: https://cyberbullying.org/bullying-laws Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J. (2018). State Cyberbullying Laws: A Brief Review of State Cyberbullying Laws and Policies. Cyberbullying Research Center. Retrieved [insert date], from https://cyberbullying.org/Bullying-and-Cyberbullying-Laws.pdf Download PDF
(For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click here]). Spanish Translation Available Here Online videos are where it’s at these days. But dated, archived videos sometimes aren’t as desirable or compelling as live videos – depending on the content you want to show. Plus, it’s hard…
While previous studies have identified that school bullying and cyberbullying victimization among adolescents is associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts, no work has measured the severity of bullying incidents and their impact on the youth at school within that context. As such, a survey was distributed to a representative sample of U.S. youth between the…
Sextortion is the threatened dissemination of explicit, intimate, or embarrassing images of a sexual nature without consent, usually for the purpose of procuring additional images, sexual acts, money, or something else. Despite increased public interest in this behavior, it has yet to be empirically examined among adolescents. The current study fills this gap by exploring…
(For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click here]). Spanish Translation Available Here Educators need to respond to all incidents of cyberbullying. Here are some things you can do: 1. THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATE all incidents so that you can direct resources and, if necessary, discipline to students…
(For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click here]). Spanish Translation Available Here There are a number of steps educators can take to prevent cyberbullying. Here are a few examples: 1. FORMALLY ASSESS the extent of the problem within your school district by surveying and/or interviewing…
Shares the top ten ways teens can respond to cyberbullying, online harassment, and related victimization when it happens to them. (For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click here]). Spanish Translation Available Here Here are a few ideas for what to do when you are being…
(For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click here]). Spanish Translation Available Here There are a number of steps teens can take to prevent cyberbullying. Here are a few examples: 1. EDUCATE YOURSELF. To prevent cyberbullying from occurring you must understand exactly what it is. Research…
(For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click here]). Spanish Translation Available Here 1. PROTECT THEM. Never, ever give your password (on Instagram, Snapchat, Xbox Live, Fortnite, email, or any similar service) or cell phone unlock code to anyone—even a friend. Friendships sometimes don’t last, and…
(For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click here]). Spanish Translation Available Here You can be the solution to the cyberbullying problem. Here are a few ideas to get you started: 1. RESEARCH THE PROBLEM. Spend time online to obtain a solid understanding of what cyberbullying…
(For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click here]). Spanish Translation Available Here Finding out that your child is being cyberbullied is painful. Here’s what to do: 1. MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD IS (AND FEELS) SAFE. The safety and well-being of your child should always be…
(For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click here]). Spanish Translation Available Here Sharing pictures with romantic partners is a natural part of any relationship. It’s important, however, that you are doing so safely, responsibly, and appropriately. Exchanging explicit (nude) images is not only illegal if you are underage, it also can…
(For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click here]). Spanish Translation Available Here Don’t let your social media use negatively affect your life. Follow these simple strategies and avoid problems later! 1. DON’T POST OR SEND ANYTHING YOU WOULD BE EMBARRASSED FOR CERTAIN OTHERS TO SEE.…
Spanish Translation Available Here It is important to talk with youth about what they are doing and seeing online. Most of the time, they are using technology safely and responsibly, but sometimes they run into trouble. As a parent, you want to establish an open line of communication so that they are comfortable turning to…
(For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click here]). Spanish Translation Available Here Cell phones are wonderful tools that enable us to do amazing things every day. Here’s how to make sure yours doesn’t lead to major life problems. 1. Keep your cell phone keypad locked…