Bullying and Cyberbullying

Empowering Students and Fostering Safe Learning Environments

Dr. Josephine Moleon

8/21/20243 min read

Bullying and cyberbullying are pervasive issues that affect students worldwide, including those in EFL classrooms. The impact of bullying can be devastating, leading to long-term emotional, psychological, and academic problems. To create a safe and supportive learning environment, it is crucial to implement effective strategies for prevention and involve bystanders in the process. As EFL teachers we play a vital role in incorporating anti-bullying education into our curriculum through various engaging activities.

The Effects of Bullying and Cyberbullying

Bullying, whether physical, verbal, or emotional, can lead to severe consequences such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts (Patchin & Hinduja, 2020). Cyberbullying, which involves harmful behavior through digital platforms, can be equally damaging due to its pervasive and anonymous nature (Kowalski et al., 2014). Both forms of bullying can significantly hinder a student's academic performance and social development.

Strategies for Prevention

Preventing bullying requires a comprehensive approach that involves creating a positive school- and classroom climate, implementing clear policies, and educating students about empathy and respect. Key strategies include:

1. Promoting Awareness: Educating students about the effects of bullying and the importance of kindness.

2. Encouraging Reporting: Establishing a safe and anonymous way for students to report bullying incidents.

3. Building Social-Emotional Skills: Teaching students skills like empathy, resilience, and conflict resolution.

The Role of Bystanders

Bystanders, who witness bullying, can either contribute to the problem or become part of the solution. Encouraging students to act as "upstanders" rather than passive observers can significantly reduce bullying incidents. As educators, we can empower bystanders by:

  • Creating Empathy: Through role-playing activities that help students understand the feelings of victims.

  • Providing Tools: Teaching practical ways to intervene safely, such as seeking help from adults or supporting the victim.

Incorporating Anti-Bullying Education into EFL Curriculum

We can seamlessly integrate bullying prevention into language lessons. Here are some concrete teaching ideas for different skills:

Listening

  • Activity: Listen to podcasts or watch videos about real-life stories of bullying and discuss the content.

  • Example: Use a TED Talk about overcoming bullying, followed by a guided discussion on the speaker’s experiences and lessons learned.

Speaking

  • Activity: Role-play scenarios where students practice intervening in bullying situations.

  • Example: Students can work in pairs to role-play a bullying situation and then discuss alternative actions they could take.

Reading

  • Activity: Read articles or stories that highlight bullying and its consequences, followed by comprehension questions.

  • Example: Use a short story about a student who overcomes bullying, then have students identify key themes and discuss the character's journey.

selective color photography of person portraying of being fragile
selective color photography of person portraying of being fragile
two black headphones on brown wooden table
two black headphones on brown wooden table
books over green trolley bin
books over green trolley bin

Writing

  • Activity: Write reflective essays or journal entries about personal experiences or hypothetical scenarios involving bullying.

  • Example: Prompt students to write a letter to a victim of bullying, offering support and advice.

Projects

  • Activity: Collaborative projects that promote a positive school culture.

  • Example: Create anti-bullying posters or a class video campaign that promotes kindness and inclusivity.

white and red car illustration
white and red car illustration
grayscale photo of man wearing black shirt
grayscale photo of man wearing black shirt
person writing on white paper
person writing on white paper

By incorporating these activities into our curriculum, we can help students develop language skills while fostering a safer and more respectful classroom environment.

References

  • Kowalski, R. M., Giumetti, G. W., Schroeder, A. N., & Reese, H. H. (2014). Bullying in the digital age: A critical review and meta-analysis of cyberbullying research among youth. Psychological Bulletin, 145(5), 454-483.

  • Patchin, J. W., & Hinduja, P. D. S. (2020). Tween Cyberbullying. Cyberbullying Research Center: Jupiter, FL, USA.

Additional Reading:

  • Swearer, S. M., Espelage, D. L., Vaillancourt, T., & Hymel, S. (2010). What can be done about school bullying? Linking research to educational practice. Educational Researcher, 39(1), 38-47.