Supporting Young People Facing Cyberbullying: A Quick Guide for Families and Teachers

What is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is when people use tech—like social media, texts, or gaming—to harass or threaten others. It can include spreading rumors, sending nasty messages, sharing private info without permission, or making fake profiles to mock someone.

As a teacher or caregiver, your support can make a significant difference!

Starting the Conversation

Initiating a conversation about cyberbullying can be sensitive. Here are some approaches:

• Casual Check-In:
  “Hey, I wanted to check in with you. How’s everything going online? Any interesting stuff happening with your friends?”
  
  
• Share a Personal Story:
  “I heard something on the news about cyberbullying. It made me think about how challenging online interactions can be. Have you experienced anything like that?”
  
  
• Express Concern Gently:
  “I’ve noticed you seem a bit off lately. Is there anything on your mind, maybe something happening at school or online?”
  
  
• Ask Open-Ended Questions:
  “What’s your experience been like with social media lately? Anything good or not so great?”
  
  
• Be Direct but Caring:
  “I want to make sure you’re feeling safe online. Have you faced any negativity or bullying on social media?”

Tips for the Conversation:

• Listen Actively: Give them space to express themselves before jumping in to react or give advice. Repeat back what they say so they feel heard
  “So it sounds like every time you game with this person they make you feel bad. Is that right?”
  
  
• Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their experiences without judgment
  “It makes sense why you would feel that way if someone was spreading rumors about you.”
  
  
• Get permission before advising: Sometimes young people just want to be listened to. Empowering young people by asking whether they want advice helps them feel more in control of their situation.
  
  
• Give students choices of how you can help them: Offering options for how you can support them enhances their autonomy and engagement in problem-solving. Would you like…some text
  • to just vent and be listened to?
  • advice on how to handle the situation?
  • to role play what you might say to the bully?
  • support with calming down?
  • support with coming up with a plan?
  • Is there a different way I can best support you?

Supporting students to move forward

After a young person has expressed a problem, you can offer the following questions or tools to support them in what’s next.

Ask Open-Ended Questions:

• What do you want to see happen next?
• How would you like to show up in these bully situations?
• What are some things you have control over in this situation?
• What is something you could tell yourself when this is happening that could help you feel powerful?
• What do you need to feel safe in (insert relevant information)?
• Who in your life do you think could be an ally?

Keep the conversation going:

Clayful Coaches Are Here to Help

Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who isn’t a teacher or parent. Remind students that coaching support is available and just one message away! Encourage them to reach out to Clayful for immediate help or ongoing care at chatwithclayful.com. Coaches can provide tailored strategies and guidance to foster resilience and personal growth.