Against cyberbullying

Understanding and preventing cyberbullying. 

In the digital age, cyberbullying is one of the biggest challenges facing schoolchildren. According to the JIM Study 2023, 14 per cent of young people aged 12 to 19 have already experienced personal hostility online. In addition, more than 50 per cent of young internet users are regularly confronted with insults. As these attacks often occur via smartphones, those affected can be reached and attacked around the clock. 

Everyday school life helps to teach values such as respect and empathy. Schools and parents often lack the necessary tools to take preventative action against cyberbullying. It can be a real challenge to recognise cyberbullying and react accordingly. That's why we offer school trip programmes that raise awareness of respectful behaviour in the digital space and provide the class with the necessary tools to prevent and combat bullying.

The goal is respectful cooperation.

The school trip programmes use interactive methods that are led by specially trained experts. With a combination of games, practical exercises and discussions, they promote media skills, moral courage and teamwork among the pupils. The goal: a Respectful co-operation – both online and offline. Accompanying teaching material is available to deepen the topics of the class trip. The materials can be used to integrate the topic of cyberbullying into everyday school life. We also provide Contacts to counselling centres are available to provide further support if required.

Offline activities to promote social skills among young people

Our experienced partners are co-operation partners of the school trips against cyberbullying Skills4Life, Heroes e.V. and Medienkompetenz-Tage.de.  Every class is different, which is why our programmes are designed differently (depending on the age group). The programme „Hey, chill out“ at Essen Youth Hostel for pupils from the 3rd grade upwards. Here, pupils learn in a playful way how to react to online insults and why respectful behaviour online is so important. From year 7, the programme „Tracking down cyberbullying“ at Simmerath-Rurberg Youth Hostel ideal. It takes a closer look at the dangers on the internet. The focus is on aspects such as data protection, social networks and dealing with your own digital footprints. 

What all programmes have in common is that they actively involve young people in the topics and make them aware of the consequences of online actions. Strengthening their own personality and cohesion within the group is also crucial. Ulrich Koj, Managing Director of Skills4Life, says: „At a time when most students are constantly online, we can use our programmes to show how valuable offline time can be. So we start with very simple exercises to get the to address the conscious use of mobile phones. An example: „The pupils receive a sealed letter and are told not to open it for as long as possible. They quickly realise how strong the impulse is to want to read a message immediately and how much willpower it takes not to open the envelope“. It's the same with every WhatsApp or Instagram message. These small but effective exercises help the young people to reflect on their own behaviour and deal with messages and posts more consciously. At the end, everyone is allowed to open their envelope. The requirement this time: the content is only intended for one person. „In nine out of ten classes, however, at least five pupils know the letter from a neighbour or friend a little later,“ explains Koj. This effect in turn makes it clear to the participants that a message can reach many people quickly and easily - even if it was actually only intended for their best friend.

Prevention work that works

The programmes offer more than just theoretical knowledge. Through joint activities such as creating fictitious online profiles or giving feedback in the form of notes, students experience first-hand how words from the internet can feel in the real world. They learn how quickly supposedly harmless comments can be hurtful and rethink their own communication. The Reflection on your own behaviour - both online and offline - takes centre stage. At the same time, the young people learn that they are not alone and how important it is to show civil courage if they witness cyberbullying or are affected themselves.

During the school trip, the mobile phone usually stays at home. This „digital break“ not only gives the pupils a break from the constant pressure of being online, but also creates space for real, shared experiences and strengthens the sense of community.

Class trips that take action against cyberbullying can be found at jh-klassenfahrt.de. For all questions about a school trip, the Service team of the youth hostels in the Rhineland as a contact person, by telephone at 0211-3026 3026 or by e-mail to: service@djh-rheinland.de