DEALING WITH CYBERBULLYING

A quick overview of a topic that can, sadly, be a matter of life or death.

As Sanderson explains, possibilities for experiencing harm online are everywhere: Social media, gaming platforms, chatrooms, and bulletin boards allow friends and strangers to inflict hurt. Much of the book describes flaming, trolling, outing, doxxing, and other types of cyberbullying. Clear bullet-pointed lists in sidebars labeled “Teen Need To Know” and “How To Survive Online” help with identifying and responding to bullying; tips offer hope and practical steps to support readers. Sanderson delves into the wide societal and personal (psychological and physical) costs of such behavior. She addresses what to do if you’re a victim, bystander, parent, or even perpetrator. Understanding cyberbullies’ motives can help victims cope. Potential consequences and methods of protection take up the last quarter of the book. Sanderson’s focus is on individual responsibility: She briefly suggests that regulations might help reduce such behavior, citing government legislation in the U.S. and abroad and media companies’ own efforts (although she doesn’t give the latter much close scrutiny). The final pages outline basic digital citizenship standards. Brevity, chapter summaries, varied typefaces and colors, ample photos, and a conversational writing style make this difficult subject more approachable. Some of the information is repeated throughout, so that even casual browsing is likely to be informative.

A helpful introduction to online encounters with bullies.