Empowering Students: Navigating Cyberbullying Together

Anime girl in sweater tapping on cellphone, gray background.

In today's digital age, students are not exploring an uncharted digital world. No, they're digital natives born into the technology they wield on their phones. They make TikToks, send Snapchats, and post carefully curated pics on Instagram (trust me, they take ages to make their feed look effortless and carefree). But while it's not an uncharted world, it is an overwhelming one. And in this ever-evolving digital landscape, cyberbullying is a very real concern. As aspiring school librarians, I believe we have the means to guide students through these challenges. 

One concerning aspect highlighted in this week's articles is the underreporting of cyberbullying due to fear and normalization. Despite their familiarity with digital platforms, many students struggle to handle negative attention online. Faucher et al (2015) emphasize the fear of retaliation, which often silences victims. This fear perpetuates the cycle of abuse, highlighting the need for proactive intervention.

Librarians can bridge this knowledge gap by spreading awareness about existing institutional policies and encouraging open discussions about responsible digital citizenship. Surprisingly, both students and faculty lack awareness about these policies (Faucher et al., 2015). Through interactive workshops and discussions, librarians can create a safe space for students to express their concerns and understand the consequences of cyberbullying.

Three anime high school students in gray and black uniforms, hands holding phones
with white screens displaying colored circles (purple, yellow, and violet).

Digital citizenship programs, as suggested by Bickham et al. (2021), are invaluable resources. These programs educate students about ethical online behavior and empower them to make responsible choices. Integrating these lessons into the curriculum ensures that every student receives this essential education. Librarians can also curate resources promoting positive online interactions, helping students counter the negativity they might encounter.

Additionally, the school library can serve as a supportive haven for students affected by cyberbullying. Creating a fun and comfy Cyber Wellness Corner within the library can provide valuable resources, books, and counseling information. Student volunteers can play a vital role in fostering a sense of community and understanding among their peers.

In essence, the digital world isn't uncharted for students; it's overwhelming. School librarians, armed with insights from these studies, can empower students to navigate this complexity. By providing knowledge, empathy, and a supportive community, we can help students confidently face the challenges of the digital age and become responsible digital citizens.

 

References

Bickham, D. S., Moukalled, S., Inyart, H. K., & Zlokower, R. (2021). Evaluating a Middle-School Digital Citizenship Curriculum (Screenshots): Quasi-Experimental Study. JMIR Ment Health, 8(9), e26197. doi: 10.2196/26197

Faucher, C., Cassidy, W., & Jackson, M. (2015). From the sandbox to the inbox: Comparing the acts, impacts, and solutions of bullying in K-12, higher education, and the workplace. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 3(6), 111-125.