This publication is a summary of the DCSF guidance for schools on preventing and responding to cyberbullying, which was written in conjunction with Childnet International and published in September 2007. This document seeks to give practical advice to young people, their carers and school staff about the issue of cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying describes forms of bullying using electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers. It is becoming more prevalent, with the increasing use of modern technology.
Mobile, internet and wireless technologies have increased the pace of communication and brought benefits to users worldwide. But their popularity provides increasing opportunity for misuse through ‘cyberbullying’, with worrying consequences. It’s crucial that children and young people, who are particularly adept at adapting to new technology, use their mobiles and the internet safely and positively – and are aware of the consequences of misuse. As technology develops, bullying techniques can evolve to exploit it. School staff, parents and young people have to be constantly vigilant and work together to prevent this and tackle it wherever it appears. (Taken from 'Cyberbullying - DFES Guidance)
Research commissioned by the Anti-Bullying Alliance from Goldsmiths College, University of London, identifies seven categories of cyberbullying:
+ Text message bullying involves sending unwelcome texts that are threatening or cause discomfort.
+ Picture/video clip bullying via mobile phone cameras
is used to make the person being bullied feel threatened or embarrassed, with images usually sent to other people. ‘Happy slapping’ involves filming and sharing physical attacks.
+ Phone call bullying via mobile phone uses silent calls or abusive messages. Sometimes the bullied person’s phone is stolen and used to harass others, who then think [the phone owner is responsible. As with all mobile phone bullying, perpetrators often disguise their numbers, sometimes using someone else’s phone to avoid being identified.
+ Email bullying makes use of email to send bullying or threatening messages, often with an invented pseudonym or using someone else’s name to pin the blame on them.
+ Chat-room bullying involves sending menacing or upsetting responses to children or young people when they are in a web-based chat room.
+ Bullying through Instant Messaging (IM) is an internet-based form of bullying where children and young people can be sent unpleasant messages as they conduct real-time conversations online.
+ Bullying via websites includes the use of defamatory web logs (blogs), personal websites and online personal polling sites. There’s also been a significant increase in social networking sites for young people which can provide new opportunities for cyberbullying.
There are some great websites that provide advice and guidance on CyberBullying:
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