The extension of the use of mobile technologies, including the widespread use of mobile phones (generally with integrated cameras) by young people has led to a new type of bullying – known as cyberbullying.

This may take the form of threats or abuse being sent by text, multi media messaging or phone calls. It may also take the form of pictures or videos taken without the permission of a young person or a member of staff and posted on the internet.

It is important that schools develop policies to deal with cyberbullying, as they would for all other forms of bullying, and that they make these policies clearly known to parents and to young people, so that there can be no excuse or defence if the headteacher or other staff needs to deal with such an issue.

Schools have a duty to ensure that:

• Bullying via mobile phone or the Internet is included in their mandatory anti-bullying policies, that these policies are regularly updated, and that teachers have sufficient knowledge to deal with cyberbullying in school.
   
• The curriculum teaches pupils about the risks of new communications technologies, the consequences of their misuse, and how to use them safely.
   
• All e-communications used on the school site or as part of school activities off-site are monitored.
   
• Clear policies are set about the use of mobile phones at school and at other times when young people are under the school's authority.
   
• Internet blocking technologies are continually updated and harmful sites blocked.
   
• They work with pupils and parents to make sure new communications technologies are used safely, taking account of local and national guidance and good practice.
   
• Security systems are in place to prevent images and information about pupils and staff being accessed improperly from outside school.
   
• They work with police and other partners on managing cyberbullying.

A key way of supporting children who are being bullied is to establish good links between schools and counselling organisations.

Make sure parents are kept informed of the school standards and policies so that they can be applied at home as well as at school. Ensure that parents know about schools' rights to monitor their child's e-communications.

Research recommends that young people themselves should be involved in developing new anti-bullying strategies.

Useful Resources

The Anti-bullying Alliance website is a very useful resource, providing excellent information on how to stop bullying.



The Anti-bullying Network website provides suggestions for a code of conduct that schools can introduce to pupils.

The DfES's anti-bullying website has useful information and resources for parents and families, young people and teachers, including ideas schools should consider to help combat bullying.