Cyberbullying - Teacher Handbook

Lesson Overview

Duration	50-60 minutes
Key Stage	KS3 (Years 7-9)
Subject Links	PSHE, Computing, Citizenship
Resources Needed	Pupil handouts, Quiz sheets, Presentation slides, Scenario cards

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

Define cyberbullying and distinguish it from other forms of bullying
Recognise different types of cyberbullying behaviour
Understand the impact of cyberbullying on victims
Know how to respond if they experience or witness cyberbullying
Identify sources of support and how to report incidents

Background Information

Key Statistics (2025):

1 in 5 young people have experienced cyberbullying
37% of cyberbullying incidents occur on social media
70% of young people say they've seen cruel behaviour online
Cyberbullying victims are 2x more likely to self-harm

Legal Context: While there is no specific "cyberbullying" law in the UK, cyberbullying can be a criminal offence under:

Protection from Harassment Act 1997
Malicious Communications Act 1988
Communications Act 2003
Public Order Act 1986

Types of Cyberbullying

Type	Description
Harassment	Repeatedly sending offensive, rude, or insulting messages
Denigration	Posting rumours, gossip, or false information to damage reputation
Exclusion	Deliberately excluding someone from online groups or activities
Outing	Sharing someone's secrets or embarrassing information publicly
Impersonation	Pretending to be someone else to damage their reputation
Cyberstalking	Repeated, intense harassment and denigration including threats
Trolling	Deliberately posting provocative content to upset others

Lesson Plan

5 mins Starter Activity

Show an anonymous quote from a cyberbullying victim (from resources like Childline). Ask: "How might the person who wrote this be feeling?" Lead into discussion about the real impact of online words.

10 mins Input: What is Cyberbullying?

Define cyberbullying and explain how it differs from face-to-face bullying:

Can happen 24/7, even at home
Potentially larger audience
Can be anonymous
Content can be permanent and shareable
Harder to escape

10 mins Activity 1: Types and Examples

In groups, pupils match types of cyberbullying to scenarios on their handout. Discuss as a class - emphasise that all forms cause harm.

10 mins Input: The Impact

Discuss the emotional and mental health impact on victims. Cover warning signs that someone might be experiencing cyberbullying.

10 mins Activity 2: Bystander to Upstander

Discuss the role of bystanders. What can you do if you witness cyberbullying? Pupils create a "Response Plan" on their handout.

10 mins Plenary: Reporting and Support

Review how to report cyberbullying (to platforms, school, parents, police). Introduce support services. Distribute quiz.

⚠️ Safeguarding Considerations

This topic requires particular sensitivity:

Some pupils may have experienced cyberbullying and find the content distressing
Others may recognise themselves as perpetrators and feel defensive
Be prepared for disclosures during or after the lesson
Have your DSL aware that this topic is being covered
Make support resources clearly visible and available

Signs a pupil may be experiencing cyberbullying:

Becoming withdrawn or anxious, especially around devices
Reluctance to discuss online activity
Changes in mood, sleep, or eating
Declining grades or school avoidance
Unexplained anger or upset after using phone/computer

Key Messages for Pupils

Words online hurt just as much as words in person
Being a bystander who does nothing is supporting the bully
You can be an "upstander" - someone who stands up against bullying
It's never your fault if you're being cyberbullied
Help is available - you don't have to deal with this alone
Screenshots are evidence - save them before blocking

Support Resources

Organisation	Contact	Purpose
Childline	0800 1111	Free, confidential support 24/7
The Mix	0808 808 4994	Support for under 25s
Anti-Bullying Alliance	anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk	Information and resources
Young Minds	Text YM to 85258	Mental health support
School DSL	[Insert contact]	Report concerns at school