This resources provides scenarios that parents, educators, and other adults can use to discuss issues that may come up when young people are using technology. Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J. W. (2023). Social Media and Tech Misuse Scenarios. Cyberbullying Research Center. Retrieved [insert date], from https://cyberbullying.org/Social-Media-and-Tech-Misuse-Scenarios.pdf Download the Scenarios
In our Glossary below, we define the terms you need to know in the realm of social media, cyberbullying, and online safety, so that you are increasingly informed about technological jargon as you work with the youth under your care. (You can also download a distributable PDF of our Social Media, Cyberbullying, and Technology Terms…
Provides parent/teenager “scripts” to promote dialogue and discussion about cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying impacts at least one out of every four middle and high school students. Many of those who experience it don’t tell anyone. If a child displays any of these signs, he or she might be involved. However, not all youth who are cyberbullied or who cyberbully others will display these signs, and some who…
UPDATED for 2023! This detailed guide is a nine-page summary – filled with as much useful information as possible – to equip educators, parents, and other youth-serving adults to spot cyberbullying, respond to it appropriately and meaningfully, and to prevent its future occurrence among those they care for. If you only have time to read…
(For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click here]). Media literacy is best defined as the ability to access, create, analyze, and evaluate messages in a variety of forms. Anyone can post nearly anything at any time, from pretty much anywhere, and there are very few…
Use this Word Scramble activity to introduce students to important concepts related to cyberbullying and Internet safety. Patchin, J. W. & Hinduja, S. (2022). Cyberbullying Activity: Word Scramble. Cyberbullying Research Center. Download PDF
This research summary reviews what is currently known about teen sexting. Research from across the United States is discussed, along with practical solutions for parents, educators, and other adults to prevent and respond to teen sexting. Citation information: Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J. W. (2022). Sexting – A Brief Guide for Educators and Parents. Cyberbullying…
Bullying that specifically targets youth and young adults based on their sexual orientation or gender identity/expression has been a problem for decades. The increased utilization of technology among youth (and, well, just about everyone) has resulted in bullying behaviors moving online. As a result, cyberbullying perpetrated against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth…
[Note: To download a .pdf version of this resource, just click on the image above.] Spanish Translation Available Here Much research has shown that a positive school climate contributes to a variety of behavioral, emotional, and academic outcomes that educators hope to achieve. Our research demonstrates that students who report a positive climate at school…
(For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click here]). Sexting is when someone takes a naked or semi-naked (explicit) picture or video of themselves, usually using their phone, and sends it to someone else. Some teens participate in sexting voluntarily as a way to flirt or be intimate with a romantic partner,…
This 8-page research brief provides educators, parents, and other youth serving adults information about the nature and extent of digital dating abuse among adolescents and how to best address it.
This fact sheet provides information for educators and students to keep in mind when connecting via social media. Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J. (2020). Connecting with Students Online: Issues to Consider When Educators “Friend” Students. Cyberbullying Research Center. Download PDF
“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…
(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…
(For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click here]). Spanish Translation Available Here Don’t be a bystander—stand up to cyberbullying when you see it. Take action to stop something that you know is wrong. These Top Ten Tips will give you specific ideas of what you…
(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…
(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…
Spanish Translation Available Here This document discusses ten ideas for classroom activities that educators can utilize to teach digital citizenship to their students. 1. VOICING YOUR OPINION. Ask your students what they think “digital citizenship” is, and how it should affect their attitudes and actions online. This gives them a chance to voice their opinion,…
Cyberbullying happens every day. Harsh words and damaging photos exchanged through texts, email, or social media can result in humiliation, broken friendships, punishment at school, and even legal prosecution. In some cases, online harassment has contributed to teen suicide and a number of other behavioral and emotional problems. Faced with this frightening phenomenon, parents, educators,…
This Fact Sheet provides a summary of important court cases and pending legislation that can help school districts evaluate and improve their current cyberbullying policies. Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J.W. (2015). Cyberbullying legislation and case law: Implications for school policy and practice. Cyberbullying Research Center. Retrieved [insert date], from https://cyberbullying.org/cyberbullying-legal-issues.pdf Download PDF