Warm-Up: What's the Vibe?

On a small slip of paper (or using an anonymous online poll if available), write ONE word that describes how you feel about being online or interacting on social media.

It can be positive, negative, or neutral. Don't write your name!

Examples: Excited, Anxious, Connected, Overwhelmed, Fun, Risky, Creative, Lonely, Entertaining, Scary

Teacher Script: Stop Cyberbullying! Your Power

Introduction & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

(Display Cyberbullying Slides - Slide 1: "Stop Cyberbullying! Your Power")

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something incredibly important that touches almost all of our lives: how we interact online. Our digital world is a huge part of our daily experience, and it's full of amazing opportunities. But just like in the real world, there can be challenges.

To kick us off, I want to hear your initial thoughts about being online. I've given you a small slip of paper (or you can use the anonymous poll link on the screen). I want you to write just one word that describes how you feel about being online or interacting on social media. Don't put your name on it. Just one word, whatever comes to mind first. It could be positive, negative, or somewhere in between.

(Give students 1-2 minutes to write. Collect the papers quickly or check the poll results.)

"Alright, let's look at some of these words... (Read out a few anonymous examples, both positive and negative, e.g., 'connected,' 'anxious,' 'fun,' 'risky'). This gives us a good sense of the mixed feelings we can have about our online lives. Today, we're going to dive into one of those 'risky' or 'anxious' areas: cyberbullying. But more importantly, we're going to talk about your power to make the online world a better, safer place."

Defining Cyberbullying & Understanding Impact (10 minutes)

(Transition to Cyberbullying Slides - Slide 2: "What is Cyberbullying?")

"So, what exactly is cyberbullying? We've all heard the word, but let's make sure we're on the same page. Take a look at this definition. Cyberbullying isn't just one thing; it's any bullying that happens using digital devices. It can be through texts, social media, gaming, or other apps. The key is that it involves sending, posting, or sharing harmful content about someone.

Has anyone seen or experienced anything like this, even if it wasn't called 'cyberbullying' at the time? (Pause for brief, optional sharing, emphasizing that students don't need to share personal experiences if they're not comfortable).

(Transition to Cyberbullying Slides - Slide 3: "Cyberbullying: The Harsh Reality")

"Now, let's look at some eye-opening facts. These aren't just numbers; they represent real experiences of young people like yourselves. (Go through each bullet point on the slide, pausing for emphasis).

• 37% of young people have been bullied online. Think about that: almost 4 out of 10.
• And it's happening where you are: 95% of you are online, often on your phones, making it the most common place for this to occur.
• What about doing the bullying? 23% of students admit they've said or done something mean online. And 27% have been on the receiving end. This tells us it's a cycle.
• Girls, you are unfortunately more likely to be involved, both as targets and sometimes as perpetrators.
• Our LGBTQ+ friends experience harassment at much higher rates.
• And which platform is the most common? Instagram, with 42% of harassment reports.
• This isn't just about hurt feelings. Cyberbullying victims are at a much greater risk for self-harm and suicidal behaviors. This is incredibly serious, and why we're talking about it today.
• Most young people, 83%, believe social media companies need to step up.
• And here's a big one: 60% of you have witnessed online bullying. But most don't intervene. Why do you think that is? (Pause for student responses - fear, not knowing what to do, thinking it's not their business).
• Finally, only 1 in 10 victims tell an adult. This is something we absolutely need to change.

(Transition to Cyberbullying Slides - Slide 4: "The Impact: More Than Just Words")

"Let's really understand the impact. As we saw, it's not 'just words.' Cyberbullying can deeply affect a person's emotions, their schoolwork, their friendships, and even their physical health. It can make someone feel sad, angry, anxious, or even make them withdraw completely. The risks for self-harm are very real.

We need to understand this so we can take it seriously and support each other. It’s about creating a safe space for everyone."

(Use Discussion Prompts: Online Empathy here if time allows, otherwise move directly to the activity.)

Interactive Activity: Scenario Solutions (15 minutes)

(Transition to Cyberbullying Slides - Slide 5: "If You Are Cyberbullied...")

"Okay, so we know what it is and how much it hurts. Now, let's talk about what we can do. Whether it happens to us or to someone we know, we have power. First, let's talk about if you are cyberbullied. Look at these five key steps. (Briefly explain each point: Don't Respond, Block, Save Evidence, Tell an Adult, Report to Platform).

(Transition to Cyberbullying Slides - Slide 6: "Be an Ally: Help Others!")

"But what if you see it happening to someone else? That's where being an ally comes in. It takes courage, but you can make a huge difference. (Briefly explain each point: Don't Share/Like, Reach Out, Speak Up, Report Anonymously, Tell an Adult).

"Now, I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will receive a scenario from our Activity: Scenario Solutions. Your task is to read the scenario and discuss: What would you do? How would you apply the strategies we just talked about? Who would you involve? Be ready to share your best solution with the class.

(Divide students into groups, distribute Activity: Scenario Solutions. Allow 10 minutes for discussion, then 5 minutes for groups to share one solution each.)

Digital Defender's Guide & Fact or Fiction Game (10 minutes)

"Great discussions, everyone! It's clear you're starting to think critically about these situations.

(Distribute Worksheet: Digital Defender's Guide)

"I'm giving you all a Worksheet: Digital Defender's Guide. This is a personal guide for you to keep and reflect on later. It summarizes safe online practices and what we've discussed today. You can fill this out as homework or on your own time to help solidify your understanding and personal action plan.

"To finish reinforcing some of our facts, we're going to play a quick game: Game: Fact or Fiction Cyberbullying Edition! I'll read a statement, and you'll tell me if it's a fact or fiction based on what we've learned."

(Lead the Game: Fact or Fiction Cyberbullying Edition for about 5 minutes, using the provided questions.)

Assess & Reflect (5 minutes)

(Distribute Quiz: Cyber Smart Check)

"To quickly see what you've learned, I have a short Quiz: Cyber Smart Check. Please answer these questions to the best of your ability. We can go over the answers together afterward, or you can use the Answer Key: Cyber Smart Check to check your own work later."

**(Allow 2-3 minutes for students to complete the quiz. Optionally, review answers using the Answer Key: Cyber Smart Check.)

(Transition to Cyberbullying Slides - Slide 8: "Questions & Reflection")

"To wrap things up, I want to use our Cool-Down: One Word Reflection activity, similar to our warm-up. This time, on your slip of paper (or poll), write one word that describes how you feel now about being online, or one word to describe what you learned or what you'll take away from this lesson."

(Collect responses.)

"Thank you all for this important discussion today. Remember, your actions online have a real impact, and you have the power to create a more positive and respectful digital community. If you ever need to talk about anything we discussed, please know I'm here, or you can reach out to another trusted adult."

Discussion Prompts: Online Empathy

These prompts are designed to facilitate a deeper conversation after presenting the cyberbullying facts and impacts.

1. Reacting to the Reality:
   How does it feel to read the statistics about cyberbullying? Were you surprised by any of them? Why or why not?
   
   
   
   

2. The Silence Factor:
   The data shows that only 1 in 10 teen victims tell a parent or trusted adult. Why do you think young people often keep cyberbullying to themselves?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Drawing the Line:
   What, in your opinion, is the difference between playful teasing or joking around online and actual cyberbullying? Where do we draw the line?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Building a Better Online World:
   Given what we've discussed, what's one practical thing we as a class or as individuals can do to help create a more supportive and respectful online community for everyone?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Activity: Scenario Solutions

Instructions: In your groups, read each scenario carefully. Discuss how you would respond to the situation, applying the strategies we talked about for victims and allies. Be prepared to share your group's solution for one scenario with the class.

Scenario 1: The Embarrassing Photo

Maria's friend, Liam, posted an embarrassing photo of her online without her permission. It was meant to be a silly photo, but now other students are commenting negatively and sharing it. Maria feels mortified and angry.

Discussion Questions:

• What steps should Maria take? Why?
• How could Liam have acted differently? What should Liam do now?
• If you were a friend who saw the photo and comments, what would you do?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2: The Mean Group Chat

You're in a group chat with some classmates, and suddenly, two popular students start making fun of another student, Alex, who isn't in the chat. They're posting mean jokes and sharing screenshots of Alex's old, awkward social media posts. You feel uncomfortable but don't want to get involved.

Discussion Questions:

• What are your options in this situation?
• What are the potential consequences of doing nothing? Of speaking up?
  
• If you decide to intervene, what's a safe and effective way to do it, especially given that 81% of students would intervene anonymously?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3: The Anonymous Gamer

During an online gaming session, someone you don't know starts verbally harassing you and another player with offensive language and threats. They call you names and say they're going to "find you." You don't know who this person is, but their messages are making you feel unsafe and stressed.

Discussion Questions:

• What are the immediate actions you should take during or immediately after the gaming session?
  
• How can you protect yourself from unknown harassers online?
  
• What resources are available for reporting this kind of behavior, even if the person is anonymous?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 4: The Accidental Share

You found a funny, slightly mean meme about a classmate, Chris, and you shared it with your close friends in a private message, thinking it was harmless. Suddenly, you see that someone else has screenshotted your private message and posted it publicly, tagging Chris, who is now very upset and embarrassed. You didn't intend for it to go public or for Chris to be hurt.

Discussion Questions:

• What responsibility do you have in this situation, even though you didn't post it publicly?
  
• What steps should you take to rectify the situation and support Chris?
  
• What lesson can be learned about sharing content, even in private groups?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Worksheet: Digital Defender's Guide

Instructions: Use what you've learned today to complete your personal Digital Defender's Guide. This will help you remember how to stay safe online and how to help others.

Part 1: Understand Cyberbullying

1. In your own words, what is cyberbullying?
   
   
   
   
   

2. List three ways cyberbullying can happen online (e.g., social media, text messages).
   a.
   b.
   c.
   
   
   

3. Based on the facts, what is one surprising thing you learned about how common cyberbullying is or who it affects?
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Your Power to Respond

4. If YOU are being cyberbullied, list three immediate steps you can take.
   a.
   b.
   c.
   
   
   

5. Why is it important to tell a trusted adult if you are being cyberbullied?
   
   
   
   
   

6. If you WITNESS cyberbullying, what are two actions you can take to be an effective ally?
   a.
   b.
   
   
   

7. The lesson mentioned that 81% of students would intervene if they could do it anonymously. How might anonymous reporting help address cyberbullying?
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Digital Citizenship Pledge

8. Complete the following sentences to make your own Digital Citizenship Pledge:
   • When I am online, I will always try to be...
     
     
     
   • If I see something that looks like cyberbullying, I will...
     
     
     
   • I understand that my actions online have...
     
     
     
   • I commit to helping create an online community that is...
     
     
     

Game: Fact or Fiction Cyberbullying Edition

Instructions for Teacher: Read each statement aloud. Have students indicate "Fact" or "Fiction" (e.g., by thumbs up/down, standing up/sitting down, or calling out). Discuss the correct answer and why.

Statements:

1. Statement: "About 1 in 3 young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have been bullied online."
   Answer: FACT (Specifically 37% as per the lesson data).
   
   
   

2. Statement: "Most cyberbullying happens on desktop computers at home because they offer more privacy."
   Answer: FICTION (95% of teens access the internet on mobile devices, making it the most common medium for cyberbullying).
   
   
   

3. Statement: "Boys are more likely than girls to be both victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying."
   Answer: FICTION (Girls are more likely than boys to be both victims and perpetrators).
   
   
   

4. Statement: "Instagram is the social media site where most young people report experiencing cyberbullying."
   Answer: FACT (42% of those surveyed experienced harassment on Instagram).
   
   
   

5. Statement: "Young people who experience cyberbullying are at a lower risk for self-harm and suicidal behaviors because they learn to be more resilient."
   Answer: FICTION (Young people who experience cyberbullying are at a greater risk for both self-harm and suicidal behaviors).
   
   
   

6. Statement: "The majority of young people (over 50%) who witness online bullying actively intervene to stop it."
   Answer: FICTION (60% of young people have witnessed online bullying, but most do not intervene).
   
   
   

7. Statement: "Most teen victims (more than 50%) inform a parent or trusted adult about their cyberbullying experience."
   Answer: FICTION (Only 1 in 10 teen victims will inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse).
   
   
   

8. Statement: "If you share a mean post about someone in a private group chat, it cannot be considered cyberbullying because it's not public."
   Answer: FICTION (Cyberbullying can occur in private groups and can still be harmful, especially if content is later shared more widely or causes distress to the recipient).
   
   
   

9. Statement: "Blocking a cyberbully is one effective step you can take to stop the harassment."
   Answer: FACT (Blocking is a key step to prevent further direct contact).
   
   
   

10. Statement: "Social media companies have no real responsibility to tackle cyberbullying on their platforms."
    Answer: FICTION (83% of young people believe social media companies should be doing more to tackle cyberbullying).

Cool-Down: One Word Reflection

On a small slip of paper (or using an anonymous online poll), write ONE word.

This word should describe either:
1. How you feel about online safety AFTER our discussion today.
2. One important thing you learned or will take away from this lesson.

Examples: Aware, Empowered, Thoughtful, Safer, Hopeful, Responsible, Concerned, Proactive

Cyber Smart Check Answer Key

This answer key provides the correct responses and explanations for the Quiz: Cyber Smart Check.

Questions & Answers:

1. Which of the following best defines cyberbullying?

   • Correct Answer: C. Bullying that takes place over digital devices like cell phones or computers.
   • Explanation: Cyberbullying specifically refers to bullying that occurs through electronic means, distinguishing it from traditional bullying.

2. According to the facts, which group is statistically more likely to be both victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying?

   • Correct Answer: B. Girls
   • Explanation: The lesson data indicates that girls are more likely than boys to be both victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying.

3. Name one serious impact that cyberbullying can have on a person.

   • Correct Answer: (Open Response - accept similar answers)
   • Possible Answers: Emotional distress (sadness, anger, anxiety, depression), academic impact (difficulty concentrating, missing school), social isolation, physical symptoms (headaches, stomach aches), increased risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
   • Explanation: Cyberbullying has significant negative consequences that extend beyond online interactions, affecting a person's overall well-being.

4. If you are being cyberbullied, which of these is NOT a recommended first step?

   • Correct Answer: C. Immediately post mean comments back to the bully.
   • Explanation: Retaliating often escalates the situation. Recommended steps include not responding, blocking, saving evidence, telling an adult, and reporting.

5. If you witness cyberbullying, what is one way you can be an ally and help the situation?

   • Correct Answer: (Open Response - accept similar answers)
   • Possible Answers: Don't share or like the content, privately message the victim to offer support, speak up (safely) against the bullying, report anonymously, tell a trusted adult.
   • Explanation: Being an ally involves taking constructive action to support the victim and discourage the bully, rather than ignoring the situation.

6. What percentage of young people (12-17) have been bullied online?

   • Correct Answer: C. About 37%
   • Explanation: The provided facts state that about 37% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 have been bullied online.

7. Why is it important to tell a trusted adult if you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying?

   • Correct Answer: (Open Response - accept similar answers)
   • Possible Answers: Adults can provide support and guidance, they can intervene and help stop the bullying, they have more resources to address the situation, cyberbullying can have serious consequences (like self-harm risk) that require adult intervention.
   • Explanation: Adults can offer crucial support, protection, and access to resources that young people might not have on their own, especially given the serious potential impacts of cyberbullying.