Students learn to say “no” to cyberbullying at Buffalo Ridge
Mrs. Lang’s second graders, Kyle, Ellery and Andrew stand in front of the Comic Life “Anti-Cyberbullying” display they created in the technology hallway.
Article and photo by Elean Gersack
The Internet is here to stay. That means social networking, blogging, texting, e-mail and online searches will become second nature to today’s children. At Buffalo Ridge Elementary, students are learning how to be both safe and kind online. With the guidance of technology teacher Monica Harmon, students at all grade levels are learning about the online world in fun and creative ways.
Second graders in Mrs. Lang’s class utilized Comic Life to depict anti-bullying messages. By role-playing and using photos and quotes, the students made comic posters for display in the technology hallway for all students to view. Second grader, Andrew, describes cyberbullying as sending mean messages online. “It would make me feel sad,” said Andrew.
Third graders in Mrs. Kennedy’s class chose to use iMovie to create public service announcements to inform others about the harm of cyberbullying. The class was divided into small groups where they created an overall message and then took turns being the on-air host of the announcement.
Harmon and classroom teachers worked together using CyberSmart curriculum and tailored the learning specifically to each grade level and in some cases, individual classes. Throughout the project, students spent time reading stories and watching short video clips on websites such as Pacer Kids and The National Bullying Prevention Center. Students also performed skits in the classrooms to role-play cyberbullying scenarios.
According to Harmon, the Internet is the same as the real world so it’s important to lay an anti-cyberbullying foundation at an early age. Kids are encouraged to keep it nice, not share personal information and to talk with parents anytime an issue arises. “If you wouldn’t do it here, then you shouldn’t do it online,” said Harmon.
