Generation Cyberbully: Bullying without Borders

This well-done production addresses the all-too-common myth among young people that the Internet isn't “the real world”—stressing the fact that online postings, videos, texts, and other technologies used to attack someone will affect a real person—and that such actions can have serious consequences. Exploring the subject of cyberbullying—defined as using technology to be consistently cruel to another individual—the program is divided into two parts, one intended for students, the other for educators. Part one takes a comprehensive look at how and why cyberbullying happens, details ways to avoid becoming a perpetrator, offers advice on what to do if you're a victim or bystander, and serves up practical tips on managing privacy in online identities. Generation Cyberbully is very realistic, both in its validation of the pressures and emotional issues common to teenage relationships, and in how it accurately depicts the ways popular social media programs are used. The second part—basically a supplement to the student segment—is designed to help make cyberbullying more apparent to adults who work with teens, as well as educate them on current and popular technology usage and terminology. Finally, the program also features practical and commonsense suggestions on how to develop schoolwide strategies to protect students, recognize potential victims, conduct an investigation, and take disciplinary action. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, P. (E. Gieschen)