As part of our commitment to safeguarding students on-line, we are becoming aware of the problems caused by cyber-bullying. We would like to share the following tips from the anti-cyberbullying code to offer advice on what to do in the event of threatening or abusive text messages or seeing nasty comments about students or friends on a website:
1.Always respect others- always shows respect tom people and be careful with what you say on-line or what images you send. Always ask permission before you take a photo of someone.
Never forward on a nasty message or picture about someone else.
2.Think before you send- think carefully as what you say or share can be made public quickly and could stay online forever.
3. Treat your password like you toothbrush –Don’t let anyone use you password. It is good practice to change them on a regular basis. Only give your mobile number or personal website address to trusted friends.
4. Block the Bully – most responsible websites and services allow you to block or report someone who is behaving badly.
5. Don’t retaliate or reply! Replying to the bully, particularly in anger, is just what the bully wants.
6. Save the evidence- learn how to keep evidence of messages, pictures or online conversations as they can be used by your school, service provider, mobile pone company or even the police to investigate the cyberbullying.
7. Make sure you tell – you have a right not to be harassed and bullied online.
There are people that can help:
Tell an adult that you trust who can help you to report it to the right place or call a helpline like childline on 0800 1111 in confidence.
• Tell the provider of the service and check their websites on where to report
• Tell your school- your tutor or Head of Year can help.
• If you see cyberbullying going on support the victim and report the bullying