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	Cyberbullying Resources for Youth, Families and Educators What is it? Cyberbullying is harassing, humiliating, intimidating and/or threatening others on the Internet. Although the Internet is most often used for healthy social communications, teens are increasingly using the Internet to deliver cruel and harmful messages and photographs. Cyberbullying sometimes involves racial, religious or culture slurs. It can also be sexual in nature. It can involve someone your child knows or a complete stranger. Cyberbullying can include cruel jokes, malicious gossip, embarrassing information or photographs, and/or Web sites designed to target a specific child or teacher.

Why is it different from old-fashioned bullying?
Cyberbullying is different from face-to-face bullying because the bully is removed from the immediate and tangible feedback of the victim. They don't "see" the harm they have caused or the consequences of their actions, which minimizes any feelings of remorse or empathy. This creates a situation where kids do and say things on the Internet that they would be much less likely to do in person.

When does it happen?
Cyberbullying occurs easily away from the watchful eye of an adult, and MNet research shows that 50% of kids are online most of the time without adult supervision. Victims can be reached anytime and anyplace and frequently with complete anonymity.

Where does it occur?
Most cyberbullying occurs off campus so schools are limited as to what they can do to prevent it.

What can parents do?
Parents are the primary character educators of our children, and bullying of any kind is a character issue. Use these MindOH! resources as a springboard for discussion about the values that are important to you as a family and how those values impact the issue of bullying and cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying Resources
Reviewed by Dr. Beth Manke, Associate Professor, Human Development, California State University, Long Beach, Dr. Sandy Bushberg, Clinical Psychologist, and Dr. Joyce Gayles, Clinical Psychologist, Success Coach for TransformationWorks. Dr. Bushberg and Dr. Gayles are members of the MindOH! Advisory Committee Member

Family Activity: Instant Cruelty
This activity will allow you and your children to define cyberbullying, explore their knowledge, attitudes and experience with it and determine your Personal Internet Standards.

Thinking It Through: It's Just The Internet
Thinking It Through: The Power of Words on the Internet
For the bully or the bystander. These reflective activities are designed to help young people who participate in online bullying. They make excellent discussion starters.

Thinking It Through: Cruel Messages in an Instant
For the victim. This reflective activity will help youngsters who have been victims of online bullying and provide a springboard for conversation with a trusted adult.

Educator's Guide to Cyberbullying by Nancy Willard, M.S., J.D., Director, Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use.

Cyberbullying sources

MindOH! Anti-Bullying Activity Sheets

The following MindOH! "Thinking it Through" and "Walk the Talk" activity sheets can be downloaded for students to use to reflect on the general topic of bullying.

Thinking it Through: Bullying One on One

Thinking it Through: Bullying in a Group

Walking the Talk: Bullying One on One

Walking the Talk: Bullying in a Group

Project Wisdom and MindOH! Journaling Exercises

The following Project Wisdom and MindOH! Journaling Exercises help youth reflect on different character traits.

Diversity: I'm Unique and Unrepeatable

Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities

Respect: The Golden Rule

Self-Worth: Dealing With Anger

Confidence: Moving Toward Our Dreams

Goals, Dreams and Genius

Overcoming Obstacles: Stumbling Blocks or Steppingstones?

Respecting Others

Tolerance in Our Global Village