Using Solution-Focused Dramatic Empathy Training to Eliminate Cyber-Bullying

Cyber-bullying has become an unfortunate reality suffered by thousands of students and appears to have become part of the landscape of adolescent communication patterns. This article describes the evolving dimensions of teen cyber-bullying that may have escaped the awareness of concerned adults, discusses the changing nature of cyber-bullying, and outlines a group program aimed at reducing aggressive behaviors among youth who cyber-bully others. The program is geared toward middle school students and uses drama, empathy training, and solution-focused brief therapy as part of the intervention. The benefits and rationale for using this program, along with specific program details, are discussed.