Getting the tools to fight cyberbullying

According to a survey conducted last spring, 40 % of young people would know a victim of cyberbullying, 5 % of school staff have been targeted and the phenomenon is growing. Faced with this problem, teachers may feel helpless. This is why the Federation of Private Educational Institutions will offer training in the program Getting the tools to better help our young people during the year 2011-2012.

This training given by community officers from the Sûreté du Québec and the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) specializing in cybercrime helps participants prevent problematic situations and act appropriately when they arise.

“The majority of establishments have already implemented a series of measures to prevent and counter cyberbullying, but there is still work to be done to educate students, better equip the various stakeholders in the school environment and seek parental support. », Considers Jean-Marc St-Jacques, president of the federation.

Even though these actions are often performed outside of school, they have effects in the school environment, in particular by causing psychological distress and dropping out. Several schools have therefore already implemented measures to prevent cyberbullying, such as the inclusion of this issue in the code of conduct, the presentation of information in computer classes, the design of various tools and the setting up of awareness. Training is an additional tool to counter this widespread phenomenon.

Other resources

There are also several resources on the Internet on the subject. The SPVM devotes a section of its site to teachers. It provides additional information for the prevention visits by agents in the classes. The WebAverti site also offers safety tips for children aged 2 to 17. It talks about cyberbullying, but also other sensitive topics such as marketing targeting children, pornography, privacy and excessive Internet use. Media Awareness Network also offers teachers four activities to do with their students from the fifth year to the third secondary. Finally, young people can turn to the Kids Help Phone for more information.

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