Action approach for prevention and intervention of cyberbullying

In classes with cyberbullying, there is a climate of discrimination and democracy as a way of life is called into question on a daily basis. The law of the jungle often applies. Educational content such as dealing with diversity, tolerance and compassion are difficult to teach in such classes.

Our handbook is intended to contribute to making democracy and the rule of law more tangible in classrooms, to effectively protect children and young people and to enable them to develop pro-socially.

The klicksafe info sheet gives young people tips on how they can help with cyberbullying and thus become upstanders. There are often bystanders in cyberbullying. They are neither the victim nor the perpetrator and observe what is happening. For example, in the comments on social media or in class chats. These bystanders find themselves in a difficult situation: they may want to help, but don't always know how.

The interactive game "Stop bullying!" is the German version of the "Stop la violence" game from the French Safer Internet Center. It raises awareness among children and young people about bullying and cyberbullying. The players find themselves in a digital school environment and are confronted with the topics of violence and bullying in various case studies. The aim is to find out exactly what happened by interviewing the people involved and exploring the environment. In this way, players gain knowledge about the mechanisms of bullying and learn preventative measures to defend themselves against it.

The game is suitable for children and young people aged 10 to 16. On the game platform, educational professionals will find extensive accompanying materialto integrate the game into school or extracurricular educational work.

Details on the individual chapters of the manual

From bullying to cyberbullying

Chapter 2 deals with explanations of terms and background knowledge on the topic of bullying, cyberbullying and (cyber)mobbing. In particular, the dynamics of bullying and the specifics of bullying with digital means are discussed.

Four cyberbullying case histories

Chapter 3 describes four cases of cyberbullying from practice. They show in a concise form how to proceed with cyberbullying with the help of Systemic Conflict Management.

Intervention methods

In chapter 4 we present two intervention methods, the successfully scientifically evaluated Systemic Bullying Intervention (SMI) and the widely field-tested Systemic Brief Intervention (SKI).

Systemic conflict management

In chapter 5, Systemic Conflict Management (SCM) is described in detail as a component of school development with goals, measures and sub-processes. You will learn how to elicit the severity of a case and how to find and implement the appropriate interventions. The intervention methods described in chapter 4 are embedded in this. At the end of the chapter, you will receive a quick reference guide that you can refer to in an emergency.

Nele - a case history

Chapter 6 describes a fifth cyberbullying case ("The Case of Nele"). In it, the case and the procedure using Systemic Conflict Management are described in detail. Especially for readers in a hurry, it is recommended to read this case history first, before they intensively deal with the basics of SCM in chapter 5. In chapter 6, they will learn how things can go well in practice, based on the case study, in order to find out in chapter 5 on what conceptual background this is done.

Pedagogical action

Chapter 7 deals with the overall pedagogical framework. All knowledge of dealing with cyberbullying must not obscure the fact that an intervention will only have a lasting effect if it is based on a pedagogical foundation. This includes the courage to lead, sovereignty and a focus on needs, a clear orientation toward values and norms, the promotion of personal competencies, especially the ability to self-direct, the embedding of methods in a culture of motivation and relationships, and the promotion of emotional empathy and compassion. This list is extensive and sounds demanding - in chapter 7 it is filled with life.

Practical projects for prevention work

Chapter 8 contains ten practical projects for prevention work in classes or groups on cyberbullying. These projects can be implemented without extensive preparation. Teachers, school administrators, specialists in school social work and school psychology, prevention officers, and trainers from schools, youth welfare services, and the police receive methodological-didactic tips and background information for purely preventive work.

In all chapters you will find working materials to support your practical work, which you can download here: https://syspaed.de/arbeitsmaterialien

Who developed the action concept?

The action concept was developed in close cooperation with :

Conflict CULTURE has existed since 1997 and is a comprehensive, scientifically based and evaluated prevention and training program. As a multi-level program, it involves individual children and adolescents, the class/group level, and the school/institutional level.

www.konflikt-kultur.de

www.konflikt-kultur-freiburg.de

sys.paed has set itself the task of training pedagogical professionals in schools and youth welfare in innovative democratic pedagogical prevention and intervention concepts. sys.paed conducts social trainings and workshops with classes, offers lectures and advanced trainings and organizes pedagogical days.

www.syspaed.de