Questions to prompt discussion with students:

‍Parents and Teachers: View the full VIP Facilitation Guide Here

Elementary School Teachers (Engagement Questions):

Building Trust 

• How can educators and parents create a safe space and encourage students to feel comfortable confiding in us about online issues? 

Promoting Emotional Well-Being

• Teachers have a lot on their plates already, but what are some ways we can promote emotional well-being among students so they’re better able to get through conflicts with peers?

Supporting Peer Helpers

• What would you tell a student who comes to you with concerns about a friend who’s experiencing cyberbullying? 

Middle School Teachers (Engagement Questions):

Handling Reports of Cyberbullying

• What protocols can we implement to ensure all reports of bullying are handled fairly and sensitively? 

Addressing Parents’ Concerns

• How would you respond if a parent reported to you that their child is experiencing cyberbullying by other kids at our school? 

Encouraging Considerate Behavior

• How can we as a school promote a culture of respect for others so kids might be less likely to engage in cyberbullying in the first place? 

High School Teachers (Engagement Questions):

No Easy Fixes?

• How can we navigate student expectations for immediate intervention in the face of cyberbullying while promoting long-term coping mechanisms?

Promoting a Culture of Peer Support

• What strategies can we use to empower students to be allies for a peer facing cyberbullying? 

Bridging the Gap Between Online and Offline 

• The video acknowledges that cyberbullying spills into real-life interactions (and vice versa). How can we as educators and parents encourage students to avoid engaging in hurtful actions or speech whether online or off? 

Support Services for Students Dealing with Cyberbullying

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Crisis Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat/
• Stop Bullying Now Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
• No Bully Help Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
• LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743

More resources for parents, students, & educators

• What is Swatting? What Parents and Educators Need to Know
• Cyberbullying Prevention Tips: What Students & Parents Need to Know
• Identifying Bullying Tactics: 5 Experts Weigh In
• How to Handle Cyberbullying (15 Experts Share Tips for Your Family)

Conclusion

Cyberbullying is a serious issue that is impacting the lives of many students today. Recognizing the tactics used by cyberbullies and having a clear understanding of how to support students who are being cyberbullied is crucial. Parents and educators need to keep the lines of communication open with students to support them and help them respond to bullies in a healthy way. Cyberbullying is an ongoing problem. It will require vigilance, empathy, and a collective effort to create safer spaces online.