Is this possible? Can we totally eradicate cyberbullying?

Probably not, however, what if there were steps to help students navigate online cruelty and experience a safer internet?

This is exactly what I will be sharing with you in this post:

7 simple steps to address online cruelty that your kids can use to protect their social media experience.

These are the exact steps I teach to empower students in my school assemblies.

1. DO NOT RETALIATE

Do not retaliate. Do not stoop to the bully’s level. Remain respectful as you speak up and do not escalate the situation. Safety first. (Click to Tweet this)

2. REPORT IT

If someone from your school is being bullied online report it to…

• save the message by taking a screenshot
• report it to the social media platform (Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook, etc.)
• share with a trusted adult, this can be a parent, family friend, teacher, coach, counselor, dean, or principal

In most cases reporting cyberbullying is anonymous, your identity will be protected. (Click here to Tweet this)

3. SPEAK UP

If you experience online cruelty, tell the bully to stop. If it continues, share it with a trusted adult. This can be a parent, family friend, teacher, coach, counselor, dean, or principal. (Click here to tweet this)

4. DON’T ENCOURAGE IT

If you see cruelty online do not encourage it. Do not share it, do not gossip about it and do not just stand by. Speak out, respectfully. (Click here to tweet this)

“WHEREVER THERE IS A HUMAN BEING, THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR KINDNESS.” – LUCIUS ANNAEUS SENECA (Click here to tweet this)

5. SPEAK OUT

If you see cyberbullying, say something. Tell the bully to stop, calmly and respectfully. Let them know being a jerk is not cool. (Click here to tweet this)

6. BE A FRIEND

Reach out and let the victim know they are not alone by… (Click here to tweet this)

• sending them an encouraging text, snap, or comment
• inviting them to sit with you during lunch, and on the school bus
• hanging out with them during school events

7. BE AN INFLUENCER

Rally your friends and create a culture of kindness in your school by… (Click here to tweet this)

• speaking out against cyberbullying in school; let your peers know that bullying will not be tolerated
• posting encouraging comments online
• creating and posting anti-bullying content (use your talents and creativity)
• inviting victims of bullying to hang out with you

Now it’s your turn.

You’ve read about the 7 steps to navigate online cruelty. Now it’s time to share them with your students.

But first…

Leave a comment to let me know which step you’re most excited to share.

Is it the step that encourages your students to report online cruelty?

Or maybe you want to empower them to be influencers and speak out against cyberbullying.

Whichever one it is, let us know by leaving a quick comment on Instagram.

But before you do, enter your email below to get access to my FREE CYBERBULLYING PRESENTATION KIT.

The Presentation Kit has all 7 Steps designed to help you teach about online safety with your students… and a bonus resource to help you share this message on social media.

Enter your email below to download the PRESENTATION KIT now.