{"id":65802,"date":"2021-10-27T11:08:47","date_gmt":"2021-10-27T15:08:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.site.strattic.io\/?p=65802"},"modified":"2021-10-27T13:12:50","modified_gmt":"2021-10-27T17:12:50","slug":"cyberbullies-are-everywhere-cyberbullying-signs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/blog\/cyberbullies-are-everywhere-cyberbullying-signs\/","title":{"rendered":"Cyberbullies are everywhere. Do you know how to spot one?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does a bully look like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Regina George. Draco Malfoy. Angelica Pickles. Bullies are everywhere. Some are easier to spot than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, what does a bully look like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oftentimes, they\u2019re loud and have an in-charge attitude. Regina smacks her gum dismissively at you; Draco knocks you off your broom; &amp; Angelica steals your cookies. Classic bully moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>But bullying in 2021 and in real life can be harder to detect.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For National Bullying Prevention Month, we knew it\u2019d be a good time to share some of the signs and prevention strategies for educators. Our hope is that educators like you relay this information to your students and talk about cyberbullying in the classroom often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, let\u2019s figure out what a bully looks like. The word \u201cbully\u201d can conjure up stereotypical ideas. Let\u2019s scratch that right now.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chances are the bullies of your youth don\u2019t use quite the same methods as the bullies your students encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A bully can be a manipulator, a conniver, a gaslighter. A bully can be of any sex, gender, race, ethnicity, age. A bully comes in all shapes and sizes and can change course throughout a single interaction. They\u2019re slippery and cunning.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And with social media and the internet, bullies can follow students wherever they go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/sel\/michigan-cares\/\"><strong>Teach students about bullying through this FREE program<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can we really prevent bullying?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t worry. Like anything from unclogging a drain to signing up for insurance benefits (groan), everything is figure-out-able. Bullies are too. Students and educators just have to learn what to look for and then pay attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Called \u201ccyberbullying,\u201d this just means bullying that\u2019s happening through any number of digital spaces, from social media to online gaming platforms. It\u2019s the most pervasive and can be the most challenging to notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it\u2019s really, really crucial you stay observant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"color:#ddd\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-spacer gb-block-spacer gb-divider-solid gb-divider-size-1\"><hr style=\"height:30px\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Face-to-face bullying vs. cyberbullying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/creative-christians-HN6uXG7GzTE-unsplash-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65846 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/creative-christians-HN6uXG7GzTE-unsplash-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65846 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/creative-christians-HN6uXG7GzTE-unsplash-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/creative-christians-HN6uXG7GzTE-unsplash-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/creative-christians-HN6uXG7GzTE-unsplash-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/creative-christians-HN6uXG7GzTE-unsplash-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/creative-christians-HN6uXG7GzTE-unsplash-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/creative-christians-HN6uXG7GzTE-unsplash-1-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This popular quote, misattributed to Maya Angelou, pinpoints the difference between face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A malicious Snapchat that\u2019s been screenshot by a student and their peers will make sure that no one forgets what\u2019s said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are significant <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thebullyproject.com\/which_is_worse_cyber_bullying_or_traditional_bullying\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">differences between face-to-face bullying and cyberbullying<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Exposure to cyberbullying can be 24 hours a day with no relief.<\/li><li>Cyberbullying can start small and balloon within moments.<\/li><li>A cyberbullying attack can hit a student from multiple angles via multiple platforms and mediums.<\/li><li>Cyberbullies can be completely anonymous.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cyberbullying vs. trolling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Are cyberbullies and trolls the same? Not quite.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both are forms of harassment that happen online, and according to one <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.erau.edu\/jdfsl\/vol11\/iss3\/5\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">research study<\/a>, both cyberbullies and trolls are more extroverted, less agreeable, and have lower self-esteem than those who don\u2019t participate in either cyberbullying or trolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Trolls often use comments to cause their mayhem. They target strangers but can harass those they know. Stirring the pot makes them feel powerful, and engaging in offensive arguments is entertainment for trolls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cyberbullies often know their victim and use various digital means to intimidate, humiliate, threaten, and get revenge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Put simply, trolls tend to do what they do to gain attention, while cyberbullies do what they do to demean and inflict harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both hurt people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"color:#ddd\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-spacer gb-block-spacer gb-divider-solid gb-divider-size-1\"><hr style=\"height:30px\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does it matter if we spot cyberbullying?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/dan-meyers-hluOJZjLVXc-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Three signs on a metal fence read: Don't give up, You are not alone. You matter. The image is specific to this post and aimed to comfort those who are affected by cyberbullying.\" class=\"wp-image-65847 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/dan-meyers-hluOJZjLVXc-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Three signs on a metal fence read: Don't give up, You are not alone. You matter. The image is specific to this post and aimed to comfort those who are affected by cyberbullying.\" class=\"wp-image-65847 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/dan-meyers-hluOJZjLVXc-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/dan-meyers-hluOJZjLVXc-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/dan-meyers-hluOJZjLVXc-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/dan-meyers-hluOJZjLVXc-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/dan-meyers-hluOJZjLVXc-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/dan-meyers-hluOJZjLVXc-unsplash-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Oh yes, it matters. Like, a lot.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are stories every week how cyberbullying results in suicide. Both bullying and suicide are preventable. We\u2014teachers, educators, parents, adults\u2014have an obligation to take notice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s hard when we\u2019re exhausted and busy, but if we don\u2019t, who will?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/adolescent-suicide-prevention\/\"><strong>Learn how to prevent adolescent suicide<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Did you know&#8230;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mibluesperspectives.com\/2020\/10\/12\/increase-in-cyberbullying-during-covid-19\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Cyberbullying increased an estimated 70%<\/a> in the first few months of COVID-19, possibly due to increased stress, isolation, decreased supervision online, and boredom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Twenty percent of middle and high school students <a href=\"https:\/\/nces.ed.gov\/fastfacts\/display.asp?id=719\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">report being bullied each year<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students who experienced bullying or cyberbullying are nearly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Sameer-Hinduja\/publication\/327167587_Connecting_Adolescent_Suicide_to_the_Severity_of_Bullying_and_Cyberbullying\/links\/5b850858299bf1d5a72c9030\/Connecting-Adolescent-Suicide-to-the-Severity-of-Bullying-and-Cyberbullying.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">two times more likely <\/a>to attempt suicide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Signs your student is getting cyberbullied<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re an online teacher, it can be challenging to spot a cyberbully. Everyone knows trying to ask a teen about their life even face-to-face can require some stealth strategizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>First, let\u2019s check out some signs that everyone should know about cyberbullying:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Obsessive checking of texts or social media sites<\/li><li>Withdrawing from family and friends<\/li><li>Frequent headaches, stomach aches, or feeling sick<\/li><li>Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares<\/li><li>Declining grades or loss of interest in learning and participating<\/li><li>Sudden loss of friends or avoidance of social situations<\/li><li>Feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem<\/li><li>Self-destructive behaviors such as running away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide<\/li><li>Avoiding certain social activities and social situations<\/li><li>High anxiety about attending school or riding a school bus<\/li><li>Dropping grades or changes in school performance<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"color:#ddd\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-spacer gb-block-spacer gb-divider-solid gb-divider-size-1\"><hr style=\"height:30px\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to actually spot the signs of cyberbullying<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1151638580-1024x379.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65850 lazyload\" width=\"708\" height=\"262\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1151638580-1024x379.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65850 lazyload\" width=\"708\" height=\"262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1151638580-1024x379.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1151638580-300x111.jpg 300w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1151638580-768x284.jpg 768w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1151638580-1536x568.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1151638580-2048x758.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 708px) 100vw, 708px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, let\u2019s look at ways you can start to observe and identify when a student might be experiencing cyberbullying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Daily check-ins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Daily check-ins have become a key opportunity to \u201cread the room,\u201d and have become quite popular among online instructors and blended learning teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Types of check-ins<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As all educators know, different approaches might resonate with some students more than others. And because students are human, what worked for them yesterday may not work for them today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Former middle school teacher, John Spencer, <a href=\"https:\/\/spencerauthor.com\/student-check-ins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">identifies nine types of check-ins<\/a> ranging from simple short texts via an online chat function to online surveys.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The latter seems to be the most favored among all grades. The perk of surveys is that the technology can help you identify patterns, which ultimately might help you see potential mental health concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Platforms and software to create surveys:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Flipgrid\/status\/1244069770468655104\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Flipgrid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/education.microsoft.com\/en-us\/resource\/51059d22\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Microsoft Forms<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/community.canvaslms.com\/t5\/Instructor-Guide\/How-do-I-create-a-survey-in-my-course\/ta-p\/782\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Canvas<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/jenniferfindley.com\/free-daily-check-in-google-forms-distance-learning\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Google Forms<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>SEL pulse check<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Be sure to include questions that target social emotional learning (SEL). Don\u2019t know what SEL is or need a refresh? We offer plenty of <a href=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/courses\/professional\/?_plp_subject_area=social-emotional-learning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PD courses<\/a> to help.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>(<strong>TIP<\/strong>: If you only take one course, I recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/course\/take-care-of-yourself-a-course-in-wellbeing-and-self-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Take Care of Yourself<\/a>. The old adage of putting your oxygen mask on first is true. You can\u2019t spot a troubled student if your well-being isn\u2019t a priority. Easier said than done, right?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are some ways you can measure how your students are doing through SEL pulse checks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><em>Use emojis. <\/em>They\u2019re popular for a reason, right? This can be a low-pressure way to understand the emotions of students of all abilities and learning differences.<\/li><li><em>Acknowledge.<\/em> Use specificity if available on the survey platform to acknowledge the emotion depicted from your student\u2019s emoji. Everyone wants to be heard.<\/li><li><em>Ask questions. <\/em>What was the best part of your week? What was the worst part of your week? How much energy do you have today? How have you been sleeping?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Make anti-cyberbullying part of your classroom<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cyberbullying permeates all subjects and grades. If your school or district does not have a curriculum focused on cyberbullying, consider adding a few simple measures to your lesson plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember: If you think cyberbullying doesn\u2019t exist among your students, you probably just haven\u2019t witnessed it because it can be hard to detect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Use digital resources during class<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Harnessing the power of video to ignite a discussion about cyberbullying can be a great start. Ask your students to practice their digital sleuthing skills and share the resources they uncover. Here\u2019s an excellent animated overview on the subject:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"epyt-video-wrapper\"><iframe  id=\"_ytid_80072\"  width=\"480\" height=\"270\"  data-origwidth=\"480\" data-origheight=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Jwu_7IqWh8Y?enablejsapi=1&#038;autoplay=0&#038;cc_load_policy=0&#038;cc_lang_pref=&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;loop=0&#038;modestbranding=1&#038;rel=0&#038;fs=1&#038;playsinline=0&#038;autohide=2&#038;theme=dark&#038;color=red&#038;controls=1&#038;\" class=\"__youtube_prefs__  epyt-is-override  no-lazyload\" title=\"How to Beat Cyberbullies\"  allow=\"fullscreen; accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen data-no-lazy=\"1\" data-skipgform_ajax_framebjll=\"\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Don\u2019t forget discussion questions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Allow time for students to share their impressions of the video either asynchronously or synchronously. Tackle some key non-emotional concerns addressed in the video about privacy measures the students are taking. Bring this topic up often throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Assign online lessons<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Logo-with-tagline.png\" alt=\"Lime green and teal broken lines that make a heart. To the right there is  teal text that says Michigan Cares: A helping hand for school communities\" class=\"wp-image-65812 lazyload\" width=\"440\" height=\"125\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Logo-with-tagline.png\" alt=\"Lime green and teal broken lines that make a heart. To the right there is  teal text that says Michigan Cares: A helping hand for school communities\" class=\"wp-image-65812 lazyload\" width=\"440\" height=\"125\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Logo-with-tagline.png 894w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Logo-with-tagline-300x85.png 300w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Logo-with-tagline-768x218.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While the video above makes an impact and hopefully discussion can help your students feel safer to share with you, many students will feel more comfortable learning and answering questions in a more private environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The state of Michigan recently funded a robust SEL and mental health program called <a href=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/sel\/michigan-cares\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Michigan Cares<\/a>. It includes several grade-specific lessons about cyberbullying. Students can be assigned specific lessons and their answers to end-of-lesson questions can be collected and measured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Share the signs with students and their families<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The truth is that teachers can only do so much. Families too. It takes a collective effort to spot the signs of a student being cyberbullied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Share the cyberbullying signs listed earlier in this article with your students and their families a couple times during the school year. Keep this list close by as you engage with students. You never know what might resonate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"color:#ddd\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-spacer gb-block-spacer gb-divider-solid gb-divider-size-1\"><hr style=\"height:30px\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What do you do if you suspect cyberbullying?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1256279257-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of two women. One depicts sadness and the other is holding an umbrella over her. Both are shown as images within cell phones, depicting that their connection is virtual. A navy blue rain cloud appears over the sad woman's head. \" class=\"wp-image-65862 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1256279257-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of two women. One depicts sadness and the other is holding an umbrella over her. Both are shown as images within cell phones, depicting that their connection is virtual. A navy blue rain cloud appears over the sad woman's head. \" class=\"wp-image-65862 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1256279257-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1256279257-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1256279257-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1256279257-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1256279257-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1256279257-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If a student discloses that they\u2019re facing cyberbullying, the first step is to acknowledge their experience. Ask \u201cwhat\u201d and \u201chow\u201d questions rather than \u201cwhy.\u201d They felt safe enough with you to share their experience; respect them enough to listen and safeguard their words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without a doubt, you must address a student\u2019s claim with your administrators. Each school has its own anti-bullying policies and procedures. Follow them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the cyberbullying laws in Michigan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Students and their families can now take legal action against cyberbullying. In 2019, a new cyberbullying law, Public Act 457, was enacted in Michigan. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.legislature.mi.gov\/documents\/2017-2018\/publicact\/pdf\/2018-PA-0457.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Per the law, it is illegal to cyberbully<\/a>. It describes cyberbullying as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Posting a message or statement on the internet about any other person that is intended to put someone in fear of bodily harm or death and expresses an intent to commit violence against the person.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Posting a message or statement with the intent to communicate a threat with the knowledge that it will be viewed as a threat.<\/li><li>Engaging in a pattern of harassing or intimidating behavior.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If found guilty, a cyberbully can face up to 93 days in jail and\/or up to a $1,000 fine. If a pattern of intimidating is found, more severe consequences might be warranted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"color:#ddd\" class=\"wp-block-genesis-blocks-gb-spacer gb-block-spacer gb-divider-solid gb-divider-size-1\"><hr style=\"height:30px\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s <em>hard <\/em>being a student today. From Instagram envy to Twitter trolling, the world is bigger and can appear meaner than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, there are educators like <em>you<\/em>. If you\u2019ve read this, it\u2019s clear that you\u2019re already an advocate for students. They need you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Resources&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to report cyberbullying<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/youtube\/answer\/2802027\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">How to report abuse on YouTube<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/support.snapchat.com\/en-US\/i-need-help\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">How to report abuse to Snapchat<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/help.instagram.com\/192435014247952\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">How to report abuse on Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Creating check-ins<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/girlsleadership.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Social-Emotional-Check-ins-for-Distance-Learning-copyright-Girls-Leadership.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Social-Emotional Check-ins for Distance Learning<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/schoolguide.casel.org\/uploads\/2018\/12\/CASEL_SEL-3-Signature-Practices-Playbook-V3.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">3 Signature Practices Playbook from CASEL<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Learn more about&#8230;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/sel\/michigan-cares\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cyberbullying and how to support student mental health<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/adolescent-suicide-prevention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Adolescent suicide prevention<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/policies\/anti-bullying-policy\/\">Michigan Virtual\u2019s Anti-Bullying Policy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/course\/solving-classroom-discipline-problems-ii\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Classroom management and discipline<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/blog\/restorative-justice-101-a-paradigm-shift-in-education\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Restorative justice<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/blog\/creating-a-supportive-learning-environment-for-online-students-communication-is-key\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Creating a supportive online learning environment<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What does a bully look like? Regina George. Draco Malfoy. Angelica Pickles. Bullies are everywhere. Some are easier to spot than others. So, what does a bully look like? Oftentimes, they\u2019re loud and have an in-charge attitude. Regina smacks her gum dismissively at you; Draco knocks you off your broom; &amp; Angelica steals your cookies&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":65844,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18280],"tags":[18281,13390],"class_list":["post-65802","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-social-emotional-learning","tag-social-emotional-learning-during-crisis-blog-series","tag-social-emotional-learning"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1327145069-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/iStock-1327145069-600x600.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Sarah Hill","author_link":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/author\/shill\/"},"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2025-06-27 09:41:37","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category"},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65802","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65802"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65802\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/65844"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65802"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65802"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michiganvirtual.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65802"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}