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…
I was talking with an educator last week about enlisting students to help create a healthy, thriving, and fun school climate, and specifically brought up the idea of flash mobs and lip-dubs. Many of our students have talents and abilities which we should really tap in order to help us promote positive attitudes and behaviors…
By Sameer Hinduja and Justin W. Patchin (For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click 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.…
By Sameer Hinduja and Justin W. Patchin (For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click here]). Here are a few ideas for what to do when you are being cyberbullied: 1. TALK ABOUT IT. Tell someone if you’re the target of cyberbullying. Whether it’s your parents,…
By Sameer Hinduja and Justin W. Patchin (For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click 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…
By Sameer Hinduja and Justin W. Patchin (For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click 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…
By Sameer Hinduja and Justin W. Patchin (For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click 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…
By Sameer Hinduja and Justin W. Patchin (For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click 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…
By Sameer Hinduja and Justin W. Patchin (For a formatted .pdf version of this article for distribution, click on the image above [or click 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…
When we speak to students in schools across the nation, we always focus on the positives of social media while also sharing case studies to underscore the reminder they frequently need to hear: “pause before you post.” While there are numerous examples of students missing out on college and university slots, scholarships, and employment opportunities…
Each year, we like to share a teen’s perspective regarding their social media use so that youth-serving adults can be “in the know” as to what adolescents are up to these days. I hope it updates you and provides an instructive viewpoint on the way in which teens approach technology use, friendships, online hate –…
In case you haven’t heard, Positive Post-It Day is a worldwide phenomenon – and it all began with a Canadian teenager in the fall of 2014 who wanted to flip the script on bullying. Alberta student Caitlin Haacke was bullied at school and threatened on Facebook with suggestions to take her own life. Instead of…
Our high school assembly seeks to give students the information and tools to use technology safely, responsibly, and appropriately. We’re not trying to “scare them straight” as much as empower them to make good decisions online. Technology is an amazingly powerful tool that can be used for good or bad. We promote positivity! That said,…
Designed for upper-class students in leadership roles, this interactive presentation empowers youth to take a stand against offline and online cruelty and encourages key students to play a role in creating and maintaining a school culture that condemns bullying in all of its forms and instead promotes positivity, kindness, and going above and beyond. After…
Our middle school assembly begins by covering the basics of schoolyard bullying and cyberbullying. We discuss what bullying is (and what it is not), so that students can identify and report it to proper authorities if necessary. We also empower them by giving them tools they can use if they are being mistreated or see…
Over six years ago I wrote a post where I offered advice to teens who receive a sext. “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. We are mostly concerned with these behaviors as they occur among middle…
It is easy for many adults – whether educators or parents – to focus on the negatives of social media in the lives of teens today. This is understandable, because they are the ones who have to deal with the fallout when adolescents make mistakes online (cyberbullying incidents, sexting cases, electronic dating violence, digital reputation…
Musical.ly, an increasingly popular app with tweens and teens, allows individuals to create and share short videos that are lip-synced to songs of their choice. Remarkably, there are 80 million registered users, with around 10 million of those active on a daily basis. These “Musers” – as they are called – upload an average of…
In my last blog entry, I sought to help readers unfamiliar with Snapchat with a primer on its background, use, and notable features. While emphasizing that the vast majority of youth use the app in positive ways (based on our extensive anecdotal observations), there are some negatives that may arise on rare occasions. It is…
Over the last year, we’ve been in touch with Los Angeles-based non-profit dance company MusEffect after seeing their passion to use their talents towards cyberbullying prevention. Their Public Service Announcement, 953K – Inspiring Action Against Cyberbullying, generated over 1.2 million views and inspirational stories of healing and resolution from audiences across the globe. We particularly…
I have known Dr. Patti Agatston for almost ten years now, and our work meets at the intersection of teens and technology. Justin and I hold her and her colleagues in the highest respect because like us, they make sure that the information they share is based on solid research instead of sensationalistic anecdotes or…
Think about how many times every day you use a password on a phone, computer, social media site, gaming network, or another online account. Passwords are a huge part of our daily lives. Technically, they serve as authentication to identify people as being who they claim to be. Correct authentication is supposed to prevent others…
Apart from our efforts within various public schools around the nation, Justin and I also work regularly with parochial schools as they attempt to reduce bullying and encourage kindness across their campuses. This gives us a chance to really connect with the youth there in a powerful way by dovetailing their faith with a call…
I have written in the past on anonymous reporting systems in schools, and I strongly advocate for them whenever I have the opportunity to speak to educators on how they should prevent cyberbullying. Based on your own observations, I am sure you’d agree with me that youth are way more comfortable texting/typing – especially when…