Flinders University develops comprehensive classroom guide to combating online bullying

Adelaide researchers have devised the world’s most comprehensive and evidence-based classroom guide to combating online bullying among children and teens, Flinders University says.

Adelaide researchers have devised the world’s most comprehensive and evidence-based classroom guide to combating online bullying among children and teens, Flinders University says.

The 40-page guide comprises a series of eight lessons, each with activities appropriate for children of various ages, as well as background information for teachers.

Its release this week coincides with the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence on Friday.

Lessons cover topics including empathy towards other internet users, what happens to information you post online, what to do when you’re bullied, and helping others deal with bullying.

One activity asks students to compare stopping cyberbullies with steering a plane out of turbulence.

It requires co-operating with “copilots” (family, friends, teachers, counsellors) and consulting with the “control tower” – the best sources of information on technology to block or ban bullies, or compile evidence of bullying.

One activity asks students to compare stopping cyberbullies with steering a plane out of turbulence.

One of the guide’s authors Dr Mubarak Rahamathullain said: “Young perpetrators and sufferers can engage in cyber bullying without fully understanding the nature of the internet.

“So it’s crucial that all young people understand what happens to the information they post online, what behaviours constitute cyberbullying, and how these affect mental health and wellbeing.”

Co-author Professor Phillip Slee said latest neuroscience research showed bullying had similar impacts to domestic violence and physical abuse.

The guide is included in the latest version of Flinders’ acclaimed PEACE Pack anti-bullying program, which was first introduced in 2001 and is used by more than 60 SA schools and hundreds more overseas.

The previous version of the PEACE Pack contained only a single lesson on cyberbullying.

The updated one is much more comprehensive, covering all aspects of the issue from abusive texting and online impersonation to exclusion, sexting and stalking.

“An expanded resource on cyberbullying was always part of the plan for the PEACE Pack but we needed to ensure it comprehensively incorporated all relevant research, and was informed by teachers’ classroom experience with the issue,” Prof Slee said.