Cyberbullying and Mental Health Awareness 8th Grade Discussion Cyberbullying and Mental Health Awareness

Cyberbullying What is it? According to the Cyberbullying Research Center it is defined as: Willful (deliberate, not accidental) and repeated (not just an isolated incident) harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices Imbalance of “power” Typically occurs with adolescents, however does occur with adults as well Cyberbullying Research Center. (2009) Cyberbullying Fact Sheet. Retrieved November 3, 2010, from www.cyberbullying.us.

Cyber bullying Examples of Cyberbullying? Posting on social media such as: Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, etc. Text messages Posting hurtful or inappropriate Photos or videos Internet polling Blogs Harassing E-mails Typically done by someone you know and not by strangers

**This person has the most power* Key People The Bully The person who intimidates or harms the victim or victims The Target/Victim The person who is being hurt emotionally or physically The Instigator/Promoter The person who tells people about the bullying to give the bully more attention and power The Bystander The person who watches the act of bullying **This person has the most power*

Facts and Stats A 2016 report from Cyberbullying Research Center indicates that 33.8% of students between 12-17 were victims of cyberbullying in their lifetime. Another study found that 87% of teens have observed cyberbullying. (McAfee, 2014 Teens and the Screen Study: Exploring Online Privacy, Social Networking and Cyb erbullying) 66% of teens who have witnessed online cruelty have also witnessed others joining; 21% say they have also joined in the harassment. (PEW Internet Research Center, FOSI, Cable in the Classroom, 2011)

Where is it occurring most? In addition to texting: Instagram -42% Facebook-37% Snapchat-31% And while the survey participants used YouTube more than any other platform it was responsible for only 10% of cyberbullying. Source: The Annual Bullying Survey 2017, Ditchthelabel.org

The Danger of Cyber Bullying Cyber bullying can be worse than in-person bullying because: Harm is going on 24/7 Material can be widely disseminated and difficult or impossible to remove Bully may be anonymous or may involve others Teens are very reluctant to tell adults about online concerns Lack of knowledge of how to stop cyber bullying

Cyber Bullying and Depression "There were consistent associations between exposure to cyberbullying and increased likelihood of depression.“ Michele Hamm, University of Alberta “Depression high among youth victims of school cyber bullying, NIH researchers report” What is Depression?

Cyber Bullying and The Impact “After months of bullying, her parents say, a 12-year-old New Jersey girl killed herself. “ Washington Post, August 4, 2017 “An 11-year-old boy killed himself after his girlfriend faked her death. She’s now facing charges.” Washington Post, April 11, 2017 “Cyberbullying pushed Texas teen to commit suicide, family says.” CBS News, December 2, 2016

Protective Factors for Youth Take Care of Body and Mind Exercise Eat well Make connections Take time out for yourself Maintain a Hopeful Outlook Talk about positive thinking Don’t focus on fear or stress Imagine good things happening to you

Protective Factors for Youth Nurture a positive view of yourself Choose your friends Recognize and identify negative influences Develop a strategy to distance yourself from negative influences

What can you do? Report NEVER send inappropriate pictures Tell an adult if you are receiving inappropriate content NEVER send inappropriate pictures Don’t give out personal information Watch your texts! Do not engage with negative messages Do not respond Block Golden Rule If you wouldn’t say it in person, don’t say it online.

We are ALL Daniel Cui

Be There, Be Ready, Be Kind