FTCE Professional Education Practice Exam

Which scenario best describes cyberbullying?

1. Verbal abuse during classroom discussions

2. Harassment through phone calls

3. Bullies targeting peers on social media platforms

4. Physical bullying in school hallways

The correct answer is: Bullies targeting peers on social media platforms

The scenario that best describes cyberbullying is when bullies target peers on social media platforms. Cyberbullying specifically involves the use of digital technology, such as social media, websites, or text messaging, to harass, threaten, or intimidate individuals. This form of bullying can occur at any time and can reach a wide audience quickly, making it particularly harmful to victims. Social media platforms provide a space where harassment can be easily carried out and often without immediate repercussions for the aggressors, amplifying the distress experienced by those being targeted. In contrast, the other options describe forms of bullying that occur in different contexts. Verbal abuse during classroom discussions is a type of bullying but does not involve digital means. Harassment through phone calls could be considered a form of bullying, but it is more accurately classified as verbal harassment rather than cyberbullying. Physical bullying in school hallways involves direct physical confrontation and intimidation, which does not encompass the digital nature of cyberbullying. Therefore, targeting peers on social media platforms is the most representative scenario of cyberbullying.