Internet Safety Information and Cybernet Bullying:
Social Networking
We are continually concerned with the number of our primary pupils who have accounts and converse regularly on Social networking sites which are restricted to children of 13 years and up. We ask that parents supervise this use and at no stage allow their primary school children have access to the internet without such use being monitored on an ongoing basis.
Mobile Phone
Many of our pupils have their own mobile phone .Parents / Guardians should ensure that their child does not have unregulated use of the phone and should be aware of the dangers to their child of phone ownership without the skills and maturity allied to this responsibility .
What is cyber bullying?
Cyber bullying is the use of electronic media – especially mobile phones and the internet – to intimidate, threaten or upset someone.
Cyber bullying can include:
- texting scary or rude messages by mobile phone
- sending unpleasant photographs by mobile phone
- using online message boards, chat rooms or social networking sites to post cruel messages
- deleting the victim’s name from or ignoring their messages on social networking sites
Research suggests that cyber bullying is common among teenagers – at least one in five has been a victim of it. The practice is becoming more widespread.
A major difference between cyber bullying and other types of bullying is that the cyber bully can follow your child into the house, even into his or her bedroom. Another disturbing aspect of cyber bullying is that the victim often feels there’s nowhere to hide.
What should I do if my child is being cyber bullied?
If you suspect your child is being cyber bullied, don’t ignore it. Consider the following approaches:
- Make sure your child is aware of cyber bullying.
- Be aware of your child’s internet activity.
- Try to understand the technology and communication networks your child uses.
- Ask your child to show you any nasty messages he or she receives.
- Tell your child never to respond to an abusive text message – what the cyber bully most wants is a reply.
- Talk to staff at your child’s school if other pupils at the school are involved.
No one wants to think of their child bullying other children. But cyber bullying is different from other forms of bullying – tactics can often be hidden and more subtle – so it’s sometimes difficult to detect.
Cyber bullies don’t need to be bigger or more aggressive or even in the same place as the child they’re bullying. But like all bullies, they often rely on the support of bystanders – other children who observe what they’re doing and don’t challenge them.
Ask your child if they’ve ever done anything online to hurt or upset anyone. It’s important to emphasise to your child that being cruel to other children and taking part in an activity that could hurt them is wrong.
Cyber bullying also gives children the opportunity to bully adults. Teachers are sometimes the victims of internet messaging that undermines or ridicules them. Make sure your child is aware that these activities are unacceptable and that schools will deal harshly with the pupils involved.
We recently commissioned Zeeko to present a workshop to children, teachers and parents. As part of this they conducted a survey of our pupils, the results of which can be accessed and read here
Further information on cyber bullying is available on the following websites: