Tackling cyberbullying

Mobile, Internet and wireless technologies have increased the pace of communication and brought benefits to users worldwide. But their popularity provides increasing opportunities for misuse through 'cyberbullying'. It's crucial that children and young people, who are particularly skilful at adapting to new technology, use their mobiles and the Internet safely and positively, and that they are aware of the consequences of misuse. School staff, parents and young people have to be constantly vigilant and work together to prevent this form of bullying and tackle it wherever it appears.
The advent of cyberbullying adds new dimensions to the problem of bullying. Unlike other forms of bullying, cyberbullying can follow children and young people into their private spaces and outside school hours; there is no safe haven for the person being bullied. Cyberbullies can communicate their messages to a wide audience with remarkable speed, and can often remain unseen and unidentifiable.

When you are talking to an adult about bullying

Be clear about:

• what has happened to you
  
• how often it has happened
  
• who was involved
  
• who saw what was happening
  
• where it happened
  
• what you have done about it already

After you have been bullied

• tell a teacher or another adult in your school
  
• tell your family
  
• if you are scared to tell a teacher or an adult on your own, ask a friend to go with you
  
• keep on speaking until someone listens and does something to stop the bullying
  
• if your school has a peer support service, use it
  
• don't blame yourself for what has happened

If you are being bullied

• try to stay calm and look as confident as you can
  
• be firm and clear - look them in the eye and tell them to stop
  
• get away from the situation as quickly as possible and
  
• tell an adult what has happened straight away