Going back to school this year looks a bit different for all students. Some students are attending class in person, some are learning from home, and others may be doing both. Building a safe and supportive learning environment for all kinds of learning is key to preventing bullying. Bullying prevention is one way to support students so they can get the most out of their education. Educators, teachers, parents and caregivers all play a role in children's learning and in bullying prevention.
The same principles for creating a safe, supportive classroom at school apply to online classroom environments. Establishing a culture of respect and inclusion helps every student feel welcome – both in person and online. Teachers and schools can communicate expectations using positive terms about what students should do instead of talking about what they shouldn't do. They can reward students when they show thoughtfulness and respect for peers, adults, and the school.
Resources for Educators
- The Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) has downloadable directions for Creating a PBIS Behavior Teaching Matrix for Remote Instruction to help teachers make remote learning safe, predictable, and positive.
- StopBullying.gov has tips for teaching Digital Citizenship Skills to prevent cyberbullying.
- The Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance Center has a fact sheet on Cyber Safety Considerations for K-12 Schools and School Districts.
Resources for Parents
- CDC developed this COVID-19 Parental Resource Kit: Ensuring Children and Young People's Social, Emotional, and Mental Well-being to help support parents, caregivers, and other adults serving children and young people in recognizing children and young people's social, emotional, and mental health challenges and helping to ensure their well-being.
- StopBullying.gov helps parents and caregivers learn about cyberbullying tactics so they can spot the warning signs for cyberbullying and step in to address it.