Psychologist, social therapist. Since 2005 has been working as a consultant-teacher in the Health Promotion Department of the Psychological and Pedagogical Assistance Methodology Center in Warsaw. CMPPP is a nationwide, public teacher training entity established by the Minister of National Education. It develops and coordinates the implementation of system solutions aimed at improving the quality and availability of psychological and pedagogical assistance within the educational system. As a specialist in the field of early prevention of risk-bearing behaviors and violence against children, Borkowska conducts consultation and training sessions for educational sector employees (superintendent’s offices, teacher training centers, voivodeship methodological centers, schools). She is a co-author of and has taken part in implementing a number of preventive projects and programs that enhance the development of psychological and social skills of teachers, students and parents.

ABSTRACT

29 September, Tuesday, 14.45 – 17.00

Parallel session: Internet safety at schools
Presentation topic: School system of cyberbullying prevention

The Internet and mobile networks have become, over the past decade, one of the most popular media among the young. They are perceived as the favorite form of spending free time, communicating and seeking information. It is more and more often the case that modern technologies become the primary environment in which young people may satisfy their social needs related to being part of a group of peers. Unfortunately, information and communication technologies are also used as a tool for peer aggression and violence. Research indicates that cyber violence is widely spread in schools, and the number of children who have come across the problem may be as high as half of the total number of students.

At the same time, many teachers and parents are unaware of the scale of the problem, for the incidents usually go unreported to adults. And every case of behavior that may be classified as cyber violence requires the reaction of adults. Disclosing a case of cyber violence requires that schools undertake specific intervention measures. Therefore, one of the priority actions taken by the school is to prepare and implement an intervention algorithm, taking into consideration the school’s needs and its reality. The procedure shown in the presentation lists the principles that need to be followed by the school staff if a case of cyber violence is identified. It serves as a hint as to how and when the teachers (the headmaster) should react and how they should handle the victims, culprits and witnesses, as well as how they should cooperate with the parents thereof.