Cyber bullying

Guidance from DfES on "Cyber bullying"

School bullying, like nostalgia, isn't what it used to be.  The greatly increased availability of mobile, internet and wireless technologies to pupils has provided increased opportunities for misuse through what is now regularly referred to in the press and beyond as 'cyber bullying'. 

Cyber bullying has been defined as, "an aggressive, intentional act carried out by a group or individual, using electronic forms of contact, repeatedly over time against a victim who cannot easily defend him or herself."  (Source - Report to the Anti-Bullying Alliance by Goldsmiths College, University of London)

Very useful guidance on this subject is now available on the DfES website.  This website refers to research commissioned by the Anti-Bullying Alliance from Goldsmiths College, University of London, which identified seven categories of cyber bullying:

• 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 phones - 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 al mobile phone bullying, the perpetrators often disguise their numbers, sometimes using someone else's phone to avoid being identified.

• Email bullying - Uses email to send bullying or threatening messages, often using a pseudonym for anonymity 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 are sent unpleasant messages as they conduct real-time conversations online.

• Bullying via websites - Includes the use of defamatory blogs (web logs), personal websites and online personal polling sites.  There has also been a significant increase in social networking sites for young people, which can provide new opportunities for cyber bullying (e.g. BEBO).

What should be a school's response to this insidious new form of bullying?

According to DfES schools have duty to ensure that:

• Bullying via mobile phone or the Internet is included in their mandatory anti-bullying policies, that these policies are regularly updated, and that teachers have significant knowledge to deal with cyber bullying in school.

• The curriculum teaches pupils about the risks of new communications technologies, the consequences of their misuse, and how to use them safely.

• All e-communications used on the school site or as part of school activities off-site are monitored.

• Clear policies are set about the use of mobile phones at school and at other times when young people are under the school's authority.

• Internet blocking technologies are continually updated and harmful sites blocked.  

• They work with pupils and parents to make sure new communications technologies are used safely, taking account of local national guidance and good practice.

• Security systems are in place to prevent images and information about pupils and staff being accessed improperly from outside school.

• They work with police and other partners on managing cyber bullying

• They ensure parents are kept informed of the school standards and policies and know about schools' rights to monitor their child's e-communications.

The above represents up to date sound advice with which schools should aim to comply.

Another very useful website is http://www.antibullying.net/cyberbullying1.htm - a Scottish website with information on cyber bullying for teachers and other professionals who work with young people. 

BBC news report on the subject.