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Cyberbullying

Bullying of any type is bad enough, but cyberbullying, - when someone uses the internet or mobile phone to bully others - can be particularly distressing for the person on the receiving end.

Latest research tells us that as many as 1 in 3 children may have been victims of cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying can take a range of different forms, such as receiving nasty or threatening text messages on a mobile, instant messaging, in a chatroom, or someone posting humiliating images or messages on a social networking or video sharing website.

In some ways cyberbullying can be worse than other forms of bullying, in that the bullying can be 24/7, and the target can be reached even when they are in the safety of their own home.

The target may not know who is bullying them, and this can lead them to be wary of all relationships.

Cyberbullying images or texts can be circulated very quickly and widely.  So the humiliation caused by the bullying can be extended.

Then there's the ongoing worry of this material resurfacing which makes it harder for those who are bullied to move on. 

Every parent and carer will want to help their child if this is happening to them.  We've got 6 practical tips that will help (point-Lwr L) 

For Children and young people it's vital that they understand these tips too - so select this tab (point-L) and go through this advice together.

Finally, Childnet has worked with the UK Government to draw up guidance for schools on how they should be both preventing and responding to cyberbullying.

This is a whole-school community activity and parents need to play their part too. 

You can also watch Childnet's award- winning cyberbullying film on the Digizen website (www.digizen.org/film)

Tips for Parents

  1. Be aware, your child may as likely cyberbully as be a target of cyberbullying. Be alert to your child seeming upset after using the internet or mobile phone.
  2. Get involved. Talk to your children and understand the ways they are using the internet and mobile phone. Make sure they know the 6 tips for children.
  3. Learn how to use the safety tools on the service. Most services have block or ignore buttons, privacy settings, and some allow the recording of online messaging.
  4. Remind your child not to reply to bullying messages, at least not in anger.
  5. Keep the evidence of offending emails, text, online postings or conversations.
  6. Report cyberbullying. You can report to the school, the service provider, and if the cyberbullying is serious you should consider contacting the police.

Tips for children and young people:

  1. Always respect others. Remember you can’t see the impact your words or images has on the other person, so its important to show respect to people and be careful what you say/send.
  2. Think before you send. Whether photos or text, whatever you send or post online can be made public very quickly and could stay online forever.
  3. Treat your password like your toothbrush – keep it to yourself. Only give your mobile number or personal website address to trusted friends.
  4. Block the bully. Learn how to block or report someone who is behaving badly, and don’t retaliate or reply in anger.
  5. Save the evidence. Learn how to keep records of offending messages, pictures or online conversations.
  6. Make sure you tell. You can talk to an adult you trust, or a helpline like Childline in confidence 0800 1111. You can also make a report to the provider of the service (eg your mobile phone operator or social network service provider). You can also tell your school – your teacher or the anti-bullying coordinator can help you.

Finally – don’t just stand there. If you see cyberbullying going on, support the victim and report the bullying. How would you feel if no-one stood up for you?