Cyber Bullying

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Learning Objectives

Cyber bullying is a relatively new phenomenon potentially affecting virtually every school and community in Connecticut. Because the loss of face-to-face contact releases inhibitions, online bullying can be more psychologically savage than schoolyard bullying.

Some states define cyber bullying as repeated harassment online; for practical purposes, it can describe a one-time, nasty comment spread online. The anonymity of the web and texting gives cover not only to schoolyard-bully types, but also to their victims, who feel they can—or must—respond in kind.

In order for school personnel to diminish cyber bullying, it is necessary to understand what cyber bullying is and who cyber bullies are. While Connecticut state law in this area is vague and implicit, if anything happens outside the school setting that significantly impacts what happens inside the school, school leaders may feel pressure to intervene.

This CIRMA training and education program is designed to explore how cyber bullying occurs, what Connecticut law dictates, and what best practice guidelines suggest for diminishing it.

As a result of attending this session, attendees will:

• Understand the landscape and profiles of those who engage in “cyber-aggression.”
• Learn the practical strategies necessary to diminish “cyber aggression.”
• Explore prevention measures that assist parents and educators in managing appropriate use of “cyber-space.”

Audience

This training and education program is designed for:

• Boards of Education members
• School administrative staff
• Classroom teachers, special education teachers, and para-professionals
• School social workers and school psychologists
• PTO/PTA board members
• Risk Managers and Business Managers

"The lawlessness of the Internet, its potential for casual, breathtaking cruelty, and its capacity to cloak a bully's identity all present slippery new challenges for schools."