The times are definitely changing, not only politically, but also socially and technologically. Bullying was once “just part of being a kid” some time ago, and continues to be part of the lives of today’s children. Bullying has gone to the World Wide Web and created the term cyber bullying, where kids are using text messages, social media communities and other multi-media to hurt the feelings of their fellow classmates.

Principals, teachers and other school officials are well aware of the ongoing of cyber bullying and traditional bullying on the playground, although some of these adults take bullying with a grain of salt and don’t do too much to prevent the events. A study conducted by the National Associate of School Psychologists (NASP) found that nearly 25 percent of the polled teachers believe that it is not necessary to intervene in bullying and other forms of disruptive behavior.

Here are some ways that schools can help to eliminate cyber bullying:

• See cyber bullying as a problem: Students know that cyber bullying can be painful mentally, but oftentimes don’t realize that it is wrong and preventable, and therefore don’t tell school authorities about specific cases. Raise awareness about the rise in cyber bullying, effects of cyber bullying, and what kids should do if they see it happening.
• Survey the extent of the problem: Make the time to conduct school wide surveys to students and staff about the knowledge and attitudes about cyber bullying. Find out if there are specific places or times when cyber bullying occurs and use this information as a tool to prevent other issues.
• Create a specialized system to follow: Have your school create a value system based on respect for others, personal responsibility and caring to make it clear what is expected from each student and what consequences they can face if they don’t follow the system. Make sure that each teacher and school official is aware of the system and it is also sent to parents of the children so they are aware of the new program. Provide an avenue for them to voice any comments or concerns.
• Bring awareness via the classroom: Set time aside for specialized discussion, lesson plans and critical thinking skills in the classroom to focus on early intervention and risks of cyber bullying.
• Build a team for cyber bullying prevention: If your budget allows, create a team of student activists that will spread awareness of the rise of cyber bullying and prevention. Students can come together to talk about prior experiences, or have fundraising activities to raise awareness. Or, have former victims speak at your school to bring a more personable relation to the idea of cyber bullying.
• Provide interventions and mediation: If cyber bullying cases are apparent on your campus, find a way to provide interventions between the cyber bullies and the victim with a counselor or mediator. Give each child a chance to say what they feel and discuss why cyber bullying is unhealthy.
• Have medical professionals on campus: Principals should work to hire qualified school psychologists or other trained mental health professionals to assist any students and help out with creating a value system regarding cyber bullying.
• Work with other schools in the district: Contact neighboring schools about raising awareness on the rise of cyber bullying. Also, reinstate the ideas of the negative effects of cyber bullying by offering discussion and training tools as students move through grade levels and different schools.
• Enforce consequences: Consequences for bullying and cyber bullying should be known and understood by students. By enforcing these consequences, students will understand the reality of cyber bullying and force them to stop their behaviors.
• Define the difference between reporting useful information and ratting out a friend: Some students will be weary of reporting bad behavior because they may feel like they are “tattling” on a friend. Ensure confidentiality between the student and the school authority and let students know they can trust adults.

Train all school officials: Not only teachers, but also sport coaches, after school supervisors and even bus drivers should be aware of bullying or listen out for cyber bullying events. They should know how to respond to these triggers and how to reinforce positive problem solving.