1. Cyberbullying At Colby
Study Conducted by Indiana State University on College Students
Cyberbullying At Colby
Annabel Darling
English 115A Professor Sheriff
The Problem
Cyberbullying is defined as bullying using electronic forms of contact such as, YikYak, Facebook, and any other social media related outlet.
Can have both short and long term effects of depression, racism, suicide, while also creating an environment where students feel threatened and unsafe.
Most people don’t see it as a problem, however there is still evidence for where it is present.
Haven’t been reported officially, but administrators are aware it goes on. Occurs on civil discourse and YikYak, and some students argue it’s a problem
Proposal to Solve Cyberbullying at Colby
As society increases the use of technology, cyberbullying increases with it. To help prevent cyberbullying, the school must take steps to minimize the risk and keep students safe online. Through utilizing Bridg-It’s harassment software, YikBak, Wellness/Orientation Seminars, and a Civil Discourse Monitor, Colby can create a safer online environment for students.
Part One: Monitor/YikBak/Seminar
Cheap Short Term Changes
Creating a Civil Discourse monitor, which can check for individuals threatening others or for hateful commentary, while still allowing for an open discussion lead by students.
Having teachers post YikBaks, (friendly messages on the social media app) or have people write positive posts on the app, that way it deflects the negative energy that comes along with YikYak.
Fun Fact: Other Colleges such as Colgate have done this!
Colby could hold a seminar for incoming freshman on the effects of cyberbullying or have one of the wellness credits be on the topic of bullying. There are plenty on Alcohol education, why not one on cyberbullying?!
Part Two: Bridg-It Educational Source
What is it? An instant confidential reporting app that allows students to file a report confidentially at anytime from anywhere in less than a minute, and works with a “Comprehensive Resource Center” with over 150 sources of advice content to help students instantly
Why? It really works, other Universities, such as The College of New Rochelle are launching it in the fall.
Costly? 10 dollars per family, with 1850 students that would be a very feasible sum of $18,500, out of Colby’s large budget
Colbys YikYak page, recent April 2015
“A diverse sample of 613 university students was surveyed to study their cyberbullying experiences in high school and college”
“19 % of the sample reported being a victim of cyberbullying in college and 35% of this subsample reported being cyberbullied in high school.”
- Research from Psychology in the Schools Book
Copyright Colin Purrington (
First Three Steps to Solve Cyberbullying issue
How Colby can start small and work its way up in resources
Organize a fall orientation seminar with Student Affairs
Present part 1 to President Greene
Survey students to get their view on monitor, YikBak and Bridg-It through online/ survey
Acknowledgments
I would like to acknowledge Mr. Phillips in IT, for taking the time to respond to several questions, Karen Gillum the librarian, classmates and lastly, Professor Sheriff for all the guidance given to me throughout the project.
Study Conducted by Indiana State University on College Students