Words Wound

I really do hope that I'm someone who steps up to lend a hand when I witness cyberbullying, no matter who it is, instead of just staying silent. I know it's the right thing. And I know it's up to me.

Phelan, 16, New Jersey

Delete Cyberbullying and Make Kindness Go Viral

Many well-meaning researchers and experts have written a number of books for adults that detail the nature and extent of cyberbullying, and offer suggestions for parents, educators, and other adults to effectively respond to the problem. In fact, Dr. Patchin and Dr. Hinduja have written three books just like this! Words Wound is different. This book represents their effort to speak directly to teens. They've long argued that it takes a coordinated community effort to address cyberbullying, and teens can and should be a big part of that. And they want to be.

Whether teens are being cyberbullied or simply sick of seeing the drama play out online every single day, Words Wound offers real-world advice that they can put into practice today. The book includes dozens of stories from teens who have experienced cyberbullying or who have worked in their respective schools to stop it in creative and meaningful ways. Readers are able to learn directly from those who have been wounded by cyberbullying, but also from many who refused to put up with it at their schools. Teens will come to deeply appreciate the serious harm that comes with cyberbullying, but more importantly learn the strategies they need to be part of the solution. Specifically, it encourages and empowers them to combat cruelty with kindness, and to harness the power of positive peer pressure to persuade all teens to act with respect toward others.

Patchin and Hinduja have spent more than a decade studying cyberbullying and have spoken to thousands of teens – those who have experienced, participated in, or witnessed cyberbullying. Based on what was learned, they believe teens are uniquely positioned to be the primary catalyst of lasting change in their schools and communities. Words Wound represents a reflection of teen voices and provides a toolkit of helpful and practical ideas based on their varied experiences.

Words Wound is the first book that has been specifically written for teens to help them confront cyberbullying. Whether they are being targeted, see cyberbullying happening to others, or want to promote kindness within their schools, this book provides practical and proven advice on issues teens face every single day. Parents need to buy this book, read it, and share its wisdom with their children.

Michele Borba, internationally-recognized parenting and bullying expert and author of 22 books including "Building Moral Intelligence"

Contents

  • The Scoop on Cyberbullying
  • What to Do If You're Being Cyberbullied
  • Pause Before You Post
  • Start Standing Up, Not Standing By
  • Stay Smart and Stay Safe
  • Delete Cyberbullying
  • Make Kindness Go Viral

The book also includes 7 self-reflective activities (one corresponding to each chapter), called "Status Updates," to help teens reflect on the content presented in a fun and enlightening way. Additionally, frequent "Think About It" questions are interspersed throughout the text, which invite readers to analyze what they have read and compare it to their own previous and possible future experiences. Finally, several "teen editors" have reviewed sections of the book and the activities to ensure all of the information is relatable to a teen audience.

Educators, parents, and other youth-serving professionals: We've created "A Leader's Guide to Words Wound" - which includes classwork, homework, activities, and even pre- and post-test assessments. Email us and let us know about your efforts, and we will send it to you at no cost!

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Words Wound can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.