Cyberbullying

Inspector Paul Lawrence&

Stephanie FrankishCrime Prevention Officer

Inspector Paul LawrenceCrime Prevention & Community Safety

Definitions

• Bullying that takes place using electronic technology (Stopbullying.gov)

• Cyber bullying is the electronic version of bullying. Instead of calling someone names to their face, you do it on sites like Facebook or send them threatening texts (Fearless.org)

• The act of harassing someone online by sending or posting mean messages, usually anonymously (Oxford Dictionary)

From www.cyberethicsonline.com

Forms of Cyberbullying

Top 8 forms of Cyberbullying

According to Willard (2007):

• Flaming• Harassment• Cyberstalking• Denigration• Impersonation• Outing• Trickery• Exclusion

Facts and figures• 30% of parents are worried about cyber bullying• 26% of 12-15 year olds know a victim• 87% rise between 2012 and 2013. • 68% of teenagers agree that Cyber Bullying is a

serious problem • Average of 12 hours a week online • 62% of 12-15 year olds own a smart phone while

26% own a tablet

Keeping Children Safe Online

• Be well informed• Take precautions• Promote sensible use• Keep up to date

Top Tips According to NSPCC

• Have the conversation early and often • Explore the internet together • Know who the children are talking to online • Set rules and agree boundaries • Make sure that content is age appropriate• Use parental controls • Check that they know how to use privacy

settings and the report tool

Recognising the signs

Are your pupils or children showing any signs of being a victim of cyber bullying?

Withdrawn

Mood swings

Reduction in social activity

Distracted

Change in grades or aptitude

Possible effects• Not wanting to go to school

• A sharp drop in grades and performance

• Skipping school

• Sudden self-esteem issues

• Complaints of illnesses

• Use of alcohol or drugs

• suicide

Offer of support

What to do if you recognise the signs…

• Controls in School

• Work with Parents

• Information Evenings

• Confidential Support Service • Peer Support Groups

• Staff Training

Informative videos

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9XLVmras9c – Who are you friends with online?

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMgotpVn0Nw – Respecting others

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jKNXxzH_rA – Protect yourself online

Reference – www.bulliesout.com

• https://www.youtube.com/user/antibullyingpro/videos - video gallery for antibullyingpro

Reference – www.antibullyingpro.com

Useful training

• http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/onlinetraining

Interactive tools

Useful websites

• www.fearless.org• www.internetmatters.org• www.stopbullying.gov• www.bullying.co.uk• www.bulliesout.com• www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk• www.getsafeonline.org• www.nspcc.org.uk

References

• Belsey, B. (2005). Cyberbullying: An emerging threat to the “always on” generation [online] Available at: http://www.cyberbullying.ca/pdf/Cyberbullying_Article_by_Bill_Belsey.pdf

• Lebo, H. (2013), The 2013 Digital Future Report: Surveying The Digital Future Year Eleven [online] Available at: http://www.digitalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/2013-Report.pdf

• Ofcom (2013), Children and Parents Media Use and Attitudes Report, Office of Communications, London.

• Willard, N.E (2007), Cyberbullying and cyberthreats: Responding to the challenge of online social aggression, threats and distress, Champaign, IL. Research Press

Cyber bullying does NOT stop at the school gates.

It can happen anywhere at anytime.

Remember: