Connection between cyberbullying, back-to-school important to recognize

Almost everyone has experienced bullying, either directly or indirectly and as a victim and/or perpetrator. Common types of bullying include physical, verbal, social and more, including cyberbullying, which is becoming more popular as the majority of individuals (and teens) have access to mobile devices.

As the new school year nears, it’s especially important for parents and guardians to be aware of what cyberbullying is so they can support the kids in their lives if and when needed. So, what is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying, as defined by stopbullying.gov, is “bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones, computers and tablets. Cyberbullying can occur through SMS, Text and apps, or online in social media, forums or gaming where people can view, participate in or share content.”

According to a January 2019 Google survey, teachers report that cyberbullying is their No. 1 safety concern in their classrooms. And with good reason.

Dosomething.org, a global hub of young people focused on changing the world, reports that about 37 percent of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have experienced online bullying, and 30 percent have had it happen to them more than once. Additionally, the platform shares that 95 percent of teens in the United States are online and their mobile devices are the most common medium for cyberbullying. See their “11 Facts About Cyberbullying” article for more facts. Additional information about bullying and cyberbullying from DoSomething is available here. 

Cyberbullying might look like:

• Posting comments or rumors about someone online that are mean, hurtful or embarrassing.
• Threatening to hurt someone or telling them to kill themselves. 
• Posting a mean or hurtful picture or video.  

See “Cyberbullying Tactics” for additional information.

With cyberbullying being so prevalent, the first step is for those who are affected to report it. The “Report Cyberbullying” web page provides steps to take and where to report any incidents of cyberbullying. 

More information

There is quite a bit of information and resources available on the topic. For instance, the Cyberbullying Research Center provides an extensive collection of resources, research and more, including:

• Cyberbullying Statistics
• Cyberbullying Keynotes & Workshops
• Cyberbullying Student Presentations & Assemblies
• Cyberbullying Parent and Community Presentations
• Cyberbullying Resources for Educators
• Cyberbullying Resources for Parents
• Cyberbullying Resources for Youth 

Other sources of available information include:

• Cyberbullying 101 Guide – Enough is Enough
• Cyberbullying Statistics – Enough is Enough
• Cyberbullying and Online Gaming – stopbullying.gov
• Digital Awareness for Parents – stopbullying.gov
• How Educators Can Respond to Bullying – stopbullying.gov
• Tips for Teachers – stopbullying.gov

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Review the Mental Health Resources webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including behavioral health resources for all Purdue campuses and information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) – medical plan provider for students and graduate students – offers 292 unique mental health providers serving at various locations that are in-network with UHCSR within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance plan. 

Office of the Dean of Students:

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting Link

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS):

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – a free, virtual support group on campus
• Thriving Campus – service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country
• TAO – web- and app-based mental health resource, replacing WellTrack