Minds On

Bullying behaviour

In the following video, Marissa from Kids Help Phone will identify ways to avoid bullying behaviour.

As you explore, take note of the information shared to avoid bullying and to provide support to others who may be experiencing bullying.

Create a list of four of these strategies.

Record your list using a method of your choice.

Brainstorm

Brainstorm

Would the advice that Marissa shared be different if the bullying happened during online communication?

Why or why not?

Action

Cyberbullying: compare and contrast

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place over digital devices and can include sending, posting, or sharing negative and/or hurtful information about someone that causes embarrassment or even humiliation. Due to the permanent nature of items that are posted online, forms of cyberbullying can be considered criminal behaviour and can be retrieved by law enforcement.

There is a variety of ways that people communicate online. These methods of communication include:

  • social media
  • texting
  • online gaming
  • chat rooms or discussion forums

Consider the differences between online and offline communication (face-to-face) methods.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of online communication and face-to-face communication?

Complete the Advantages and Disadvantages of the Different Forms of Communication in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. You can also use a method of your choice to record your ideas.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Different Forms of Communication
  Advantages Disadvantages
Online communication
Face-to-face communication

Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Advantages and Disadvantages of the Different Forms of Communication. 

Press ‘Review’ to check your understanding.

  Advantages Disadvantages
Online communication
  • can consider your message before sharing
  • can happen at any time
  • easier for those who are shy
  • can communicate with anyone around the world
  • permanent
  • difficult to read the tone of a message
  • don’t always know who is communicating
  • easy to send and receive negative and/or dangerous messages
Face-to-face communication
  • use verbal and non-verbal gestures to help understand message
  • can only happen when both people are present, confrontation may be uncomfortable

Agree or disagree?

Explore the following statements about online and face-to-face communication.

Use the rating scale provided or use another method of your choice to identify your feelings about each statement.

Rating scale

1 = Strongly disagree

2 = Disagree

3 = Neutral

4 = Agree

5 = Strongly agree

Press the following tabs to access each statement.

You should treat others online the same way you would treat them if you were face-to-face.

Video games are addictive.

I know how to manage online conflicts should the need arise.

I have shared something online that could be considered offensive.

There are students at my school or in my community that are being cyberbullied.

It is acceptable to send a mean text message to someone if you disagree with them.

I have posted something online or via text message that was misinterpreted by the recipient.

I can always tell if someone is joking or being sarcastic when checking online messages or emails.

It is easier to post offensive things online because you are not face-to-face and can hide behind a screen.

Pause and Reflect

Pause and reflect

Which of the statements do you connect with the most?

Record your thoughts and ideas using a method of your choice.

Staying safe when using technology

There are ways to stay safe and take care of your physical and mental health when it comes to digital media and engaging in online communication.

Press the following tabs to access the different ways.

It’s important to be aware of how much time you are spending online and to set healthy limits for screen time. There are apps to help with this.

Everyone should be aware that anything they write, or post could become public information. It is important for everyone to remember that permission to post information is very important.

No one should share their password, even with their friends. Online privacy is important.

Not everything we come across online is real. For example, some social media challenges are hoaxes, and may be harmful. People need to think carefully and critically about what they see online.

Photos and messages can become public the moment they are posted. If they become public, they can have an impact on the well-being of the individuals involved, their future relationships, and even their jobs. There are also legal penalties for anyone sharing images without consent. No one should pressure people to send photos of themselves.

Online bullying is a real threat. Sometimes, people post comments without thinking about what they are actually saying and how they are hurting others. To change this behaviour, everyone needs to take responsibility for the words they use and to challenge others who make discriminatory comments or put people down. If someone is a target of online harassment, they should save and print the messages they received and get help from a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult.

Learning check!

Use the information about staying safe to answer the following questions.

Select the correct answer, then press “Check Answer” to see how you did.

Consolidation

Creating safer online communities

What can we do to protect ourselves from possible threats of cyberbullying?

From the following list, select the actions or ideas that you feel are real solutions to deter cyberbullying.

Check the boxes that may apply to any action or idea you feel is a solution.

   

Actions and Ideas as Real Solutions

Cyberbullying

Pause and Reflect

Pause and reflect

  1. What are two pieces of information that you feel are important for those engaging in online communication to know? Why?
  2. Why is it important to understand the disadvantages of online communication?
  3. What was one piece of new learning for you that you would like to share with others? Why?

Record your thoughts using a method of your choice.

Reflection

As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.

I feel…

Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.

When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.