Cyberbullying is a serious concern in today’s schools. Since it can happen to a student at home as well as in school, it can be more pervasive and traumatic for victims than traditional bullying. An anti-cyberbullying sign campaign is an effective way to fight cyberbullying through positive peer pressure.
To gain background and establish the context, hold a class discussion about cyberbullying. Contrast traditional bullying with cyberbullying. Encourage students to share their stories and experiences, without naming anyone. Next announce that the students have an opportunity to make a difference in their school by describing an overview of the project.
The project begins with students researching cyberbullying on websites. Students visit www.portaportal.com/gcorder and click on the Cyberbullying tab. At that site, there is a Google Doc with guiding questions that students use as they explore the cyberbullying sites. These sites offer a variety of ways to learn about cyberbullying: text, video, games and interactive tutorials. Students examine essential questions such as:
What is cyberbullying and why do people do it?
What kind of harm do victims of cyberbullying suffer?
How can someone avoid being a victim of cyberbullying?
If someone has been a victim of cyberbullying, what should he or she do?
Once students finish their research, they create a sign. The purpose of the sign is to inform others about cyberbullying. Spend some time discussing ways to make the signs effective. For instance, each sign should focus on one particular aspect of cyberbullying, its layout should be eye-catching, the text should be large enough to read and should avoid overwhelming the reader by communicating a concise message. If the sign is created with a word processor, print it in color ink and laminate it. Discuss areas throughout the building where their peers are most likely to see and read signs. Finally, send students throughout the building to display their work.
As anti-cyberbullying signs blanket your school building, students receive constant reminders about the harmful effects of cyberbullying. They’re also given strategies for dealing with it. What’s more, the signs send a message to faculty members and visitors about the culture of the school.
Gregory W.
Corder, Ed.D.
Thomas Harrison Middle School
Harrisonburg, Va.
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