Prevention and combating cyber bullying and internet violence among youth

Prevention and combating cyber bullying and internet violence among youth
– manual for youth workers –
Workshop 5: What is cyber bullying and internet violence
Duration of the workshop: 45-60 minutes
Materials needed: Flipchart papers, markers, 3 to 4 copies of Cyber bullying story –
Resource sheet
Aim
To discuss cyber bullying and internet violence, and the different situations in which it can
occur.
Guide for facilitator
Introductory remark for facilitator
In the same way that talking about other forms of violence might cause discomfort because of
possible connections with participants’ own lives, it is important to be sensitive to the
possibility that some of the participants might have suffered some type of cyber bullying and
internet violence in their life and might need advice or help.
They may have suffered cyber bullying (from their peers or from other people in their lives or
even anonymous person), but never spoken with anybody about the matter, out of shame or
fear. Others might know of their friends or family members who have been victims of cyber
bullying and online violence.
It is important to be prepared for these possibilities and to know where and to whom you can
refer participants who might need professional support.
Step by step guide
Explain that the purpose of the activity is to talk about cyber bullying and internet
violence.
Carry out a brainstorming session with the group on the meaning of cyber bullying –
internet violence and the different situations in which it can occur. Use markers and write on
flipchart paper different ideas you get from the group. Review the definition of cyber bullying
included in the Workshop 4: Violence. Save the flipchart with brainstorming ideas, it will be
needed for Workshop 6.
Depending on the number of participants, divide them into three or four smaller groups,
handing out a copy of the Cyber bullying story – Resource sheet. Ask the small groups to read
the story together. Alternatively, you can read the story aloud to participants.
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