Introduction

In the digital age, cyberbullying has become a growing concern for educators and parents alike. As students spend more time online, it’s essential to teach them about the consequences of their actions and how to promote positive behavior. This blog post focuses on helping educators working with students in Special Education understand cyberbullying and its impact on individuals. We will discuss an easy-to-implement, no-prep activity to address this issue, followed by discussion questions and related skills. Finally, we’ll provide information on how to access free sample materials to further support your students’ social-emotional learning.

No-Prep Activity: Role-Playing Positive Online Interactions

This activity requires no preparation or materials and is designed to help students understand the importance of being an ally and an upstander in situations involving cyberbullying. Begin by explaining the three roles: ally, upstander, and bystander. Then, present a hypothetical cyberbullying scenario, such as someone posting a mean comment about a classmate on social media.

Divide students into small groups and assign each group one of the three roles. Have them brainstorm and discuss how they would respond to the scenario in their assigned role. After a few minutes, bring the class back together and ask each group to share their responses. Discuss the differences between the three roles and emphasize the importance of being an ally and an upstander in preventing cyberbullying.

Discussion Questions

• Why is it important to be aware of our actions and words online, even if we think no one is watching or will be affected?
• How can being an ally or an upstander make a difference in the life of someone who is experiencing cyberbullying?
• What are some strategies you can use to support a friend or classmate who is being cyberbullied?
• How can we promote positive online behavior and create a more supportive online community?
• Why is it important to tell an adult if you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying?

Related Skills

Teaching students about cyberbullying and promoting positive online behavior is just one aspect of social-emotional learning. Other related skills that can be beneficial for students in Special Education include:

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others can help students become more compassionate and supportive online.
• Conflict resolution: Learning how to effectively address and resolve conflicts can help students navigate difficult situations, both online and offline.
• Assertiveness: Teaching students to stand up for themselves and others in a respectful manner can empower them to address cyberbullying and other negative behaviors.
• Digital citizenship: Educating students about responsible online behavior and digital safety can help them become more responsible and conscientious internet users.

Next Steps

To further support your students’ social-emotional learning and help them develop the skills needed to prevent cyberbullying and promote positive online behavior, consider signing up for free sample materials from Everyday Speech. These resources can provide additional guidance and activities to help your students grow and thrive in the digital world.