6 Resources looking at cyberbullying

Cyberbullying [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] , http://digizen.org/resources/cyberbullying/overview/

Talent Show – Cyberbullying Prevention Commercial,

http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bdQBurXQOeQ&feature=related

Childnet International (www.childnet.com) is a charity which works with a range of partners in producing education resources for schools. The charity worked with the DCSF (now the Department for Education) to draw up guidance for schools on preventing and responding to incidents of cyberbullying. They have produced a range of education resources for both primary aged school children, secondary schools, teachers and parents on this subject, including a powerful cyberbullying film called ‘Let’s fight it together’, http://www.digizen.org/ resources/ cyberbullying/ films/ uk/ lfit-film.aspx.

Remember that staff can be victims of cyberbullying and it is really important that they do not make ‘friends’ with pupils on social networking websites. There is important advice for teachers on how to protect themselves from becoming a victim of cyberbullying at http://digizen.org/ resources/ cyberbullying/ full-guidance.aspx.

There’s a good article on cyberbullying of teachers at http://www.teachingtimes.com/ articles/ cyber-bullying-teachers.htm, which states:

The Education and Inspections Act 2006 grants school staff the right to confiscate a mobile phone which is causing a disturbance in class or which contravenes behavioural or anti-bullying policies, but they may not search the phone without the pupil's consent. A pupil who has been using their phone to film a teacher in class is most unlikely to give such consent, and it is therefore important to obtain it in advance by ensuring pupils sign up to school policies.

(See Resource 12, on acceptable use policies.)

Reflection

It is vital that awareness and education resources such as the film ‘Let’s fight it together’ are targeted appropriately according to pupils’ ages and that you differentiate the subject for different age groups and stages of maturity and experience. The film is targeted at year 6 upwards but you could use this film in engaging with parents of KS1 pupils to help them appreciate the risks to children and the importance of preventative education work.

Remember that all schools must have an anti-bullying policy. Does your school’s policy includes a reference to cyberbullying?

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