While many young people are using new technologies in a positive way, a minority is misusing them.
Email, text message, social networking profiles and other channels are increasingly being used by young people to harass and intimidate others, especially as the perpetrator thinks they are anonymous in cyberspace. This has become known as "cyberbullying”.
Cyberbullying is defined by the Government as: "the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), particularly mobile phones and the internet, deliberately to upset someone else” (Source:
DCSF Cyberbullying: Supporting School Staff, 2009),
As your students embrace new technologies, cyberbullying may become a challenge for your school.
Tackling bullying in schools is a key priority for the Government and it is compulsory for schools to have anti-bullying measures - including anti-cyberbullying measures - in place. Furthermore, dealing with cyberbullying and other key digital issues will be part of the curriculum for over 5s from September 2011 as part of the UK Government's child internet safety strategy.
An important part of your role as a teacher is to safeguard your students and promote their wellbeing. In an increasingly digital world, the more you know about cyberbullying, the stronger position you'll be in to help protect your students from it.
Did you know?
One in three 11-18 year olds in the UK have been the victim of cyberbullying, with teenage girls up to four times more likely to be victims than teenage boys (Source: Beatbullying, March 2009)
Many of the founding partners of Teachtoday are involved with the government's Cyberbullying Taskforce, so we're well-placed to help you understand the main issues. You can also find advice about cyberbullying on our own websites.
In the following sections, we examine what cyberbullying is, how it is different to other forms of bullying, how you can help prevent it and how you should respond to it.
Cyberbullying also affects teachers. If you are experiencing harassment over the internet or your mobile, visit the Teacher Advice section of Teachtoday.
Where can I find out more?