Instigators of Cyber-Bullying: A New Strategy for New Players

ABSTRACTCyber-bullying rates are rising around the world due to the rapid growth of technology. Victims, bullies, by-standers, and instigators of cyber-bullying utilize numerous platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and Burnbook, and face numerous consequences due to bullying behaviors occurring on these sites. These consequences range from depression, anxiety, guilt, and fear to lowered academic achievement and even suicide. Instigators are often over-looked when bullying prevention and intervention programs are developed. In response, the authors of this article detail a program targeted toward the elimination of negative cyber-bullying instigator behaviors. The authors describe an approach that combines empathy training, solution-focused complimenting, and art/journaling with no-bullying contracts. Specific details are described so educators can implement the intervention.