Cyberbullying Inspector Paul Lawrence & Stephanie Frankish Crime Prevention Officer

Inspector Paul Lawrence Crime 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

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 year olds know a victim 87% rise between 2012 and % of teenagers agree that Cyber Bullying is a serious problem Average of 12 hours a week online 62% of 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 Withdrawn Mood swings Reduction in social activity Distracted Change in grades or aptitude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 – Who are you friends with online? w – Respecting others w – Protect yourself online Reference – deos - video gallery for antibullyingpro deos Reference –

Useful training bullyingalliance.org.uk/onlinetraining bullyingalliance.org.uk/onlinetraining

Interactive tools

Useful websites

References Belsey, B. (2005). Cyberbullying: An emerging threat to the “always on” generation [online] Available at: _Bill_Belsey.pdf _Bill_Belsey.pdf Lebo, H. (2013), The 2013 Digital Future Report: Surveying The Digital Future Year Eleven [online] Available at: content/uploads/2013/06/2013-Report.pdf 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: