Course: Cyberbullying

Course Summary:

Technology provides incredible opportunities for people to learn, connect, create, and collaborate. Unfortunately, this cyberworld and its digital forums and platforms have become the point of origin for cyberbullying. Unlike face-to-face or in-person bullying, cyberbullying exists in the non-physical world of cyberspace. Together with families, schools, and the greater community, churches can play a vital role in educating about cyberbullying, supporting victims who may feel they have no safe place to turn, and encouraging appropriate, responsible use of technology.

Learning Objectives:

• Know the definition, unique qualities, and various types of cyberbullying
• Understand characteristics of cyberbullies and some of the many reasons they commit online aggression
• Identify signs of someone being cyberbullied, and why they are often reluctant to report the abuse or stand up for others being cyberbullied
• Learn a number of choices and options for responding to and preventing cyberbullying
• Understand how churches can play an important role in raising awareness about cyberbullying and support the victims of cyberviolence

Key Topics Include:

• Cyberbullying Pages
• What is Cyberbullying?
• Cyberbullying Statistics
• Unique Features of Cyberbullying
• Disinhibition, Deindividuation, and the Loss of Empathy
• Cyberbullying: Behaviors
• Who are Cyberbullies and Why Do They Cyberbully?
• Cyberbullying Through the Eyes of Teenagers
• Characteristics of a Cyberbully
• The Permanence of Cyberbullying
• Who is At Risk for Being Cyberbullied?
• Signs Someone is Being Cyberbullied
• Bullycide
• Reluctance of Victims to Report Cyberbullying
• The Bystander
• From Bystander to Upstander
• Responding to Cyberbullying
• Preventing Cyberbullying
• Churches and Cyberbullying
• Promote Tolerance, Understanding, and Inclusion
• Digital Citizenship
• Church Communities and Resilience

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