Schools have the power to impose a range of sanctions Contacts, Help & Advice against pupils who are involved in incidents outside school. Their anti-bullying policy must include measures to be taken with a view to: Help lines “...encouraging good behaviour and respect for others on the part of pupils and, in particular, in preventing all forms CEOP (Child Exploitation & Online Protection) of bullying among pupils” – to report if you suspect online child abuse or grooming contact: www.thinkuknow.co.uk Schools have a duty to work with other agencies, including the police, to safeguard and promote the well being of all Beatbullying pupils. www.cybermentors.org.uk online peer-mentoring support for children and young people  Tell the school about the incident.  Arrange a meeting with school staff. Childline  Explain why you want the appointment so that they can www.childline.org.uk investigate before the meeting. Free 24hour telephone lines for children and young people:  Make evidence available. 0800 1111 Kidscsape advice line: At the meeting: 08451 205 204 (10am-4pm weekdays)  Show the evidence of . Parentline Plus  Ask for notes to be taken so that there is a www.parentlineplus.org.uk record of what is discussed and agreed. www.besomeonetotell.org.uk  Ask for a named contact at school for both Tel: 0808 800 2222 your child and yourself.  Agree a plan of action with a time for a follow up meeting. Useful Websites re Cyberbullying  Decide if it is best for your child to attend. information and guidance  If it is a serious incident it may be referred to another agency such as the police. www.childnet.com Including: the anti-cyberbullying code in the summary of national guidance ‘Cyberbullying: A whole-school community After the meeting: issue’ and ‘Know It All’ Keeping up with children on the internet.  Give the head teacher time to deal with www.digizen.org - Advice for children and young people the situation.  Keep in touch with the school – Anti-Bullying Alliance especially if the incidents continue. www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk  Keep your child fully informed of what Provides a wealth of information and advice from an alliance of is happening. the leading anti-bullying organisations. Cyberbullying What if the cyberbullying Local Information and Guidance continues? Leicestershire County Council www.beyondbullying.com Leicestershire County Council, Advice for parents and carers In most cases the school will respond sensitively to Educational Psychology Service, Anti-Bullying Strategy Team incidents of bullying and work with you to successfully Leicester City Council Supporting your child to resolve the situation. www.leicester.gov.uk - Search: anti bullying If the problems persist and you would like the school to www.leicester.gov.uk - Search: textsomeone for Leicester City be safe and happy do more than they are doing you can write to the Chair of schools reporting system Governors and raise the issue in a formal letter. What is Cyberbullying? Why cyberbullying is How can you help? different from other forms “The use of Information and Communications of bullying:  Encourage your child to talk to you or a trusted adult if there is Technology (ICT), particularly mobile phones and the a problem. Significant numbers of children do not tell anyone. internet, deliberately to upset someone else.”  Although cyberbullying is perceived as anonymous, it leaves a  Talk calmly about what is happening (even though you may In this leaflet Cyberbullying refers to children & young trail of evidence. feel upset yourself) and reassure them that it is not their fault. people bullying one another. If an adult is involved it is cyber  Initially, your child may not know where or whom it has come  Listen and take what is said seriously. , stalking or potentially grooming and the police from.  Save the evidence. Learn how to keep records of all offending should be contacted.  It can happen 24/7 and invade home/personal space. messages, pictures or online conversations. This will help you  The offending behaviour can quickly reach a large audience. demonstrate to others what is happening and can be used Cyberbullying behaviour  It’s hard to control negative comments/images once transmitted. by school, internet service providers (ISP), mobile phone  Research suggests cyberbullying may have a greater emotional companies or even the police, to investigate the cyberbullying. can take many forms but and psychological impact than other forms of bullying.  Keep talking to your child and keep them involved – it is includes:  Cyberbullying usually takes place out of school hours. important that they know what is happening and have a say.  Talk to the school and report all incidents because research Text Messaging unwelcome or threatening texts has shown that most cyberbullying is by someone from the Picture or Video clips embarrassing or inappropriate Cyberbullying…are you same class or year group. images switched on?  Do not respond to the cyberbully or try to take the law into Phone Calls silent calls or abusive messages your own hands. Emails abusive or threatening messages Online chat rooms menacing or upsetting comments  ICT is an important part of your child’s education & social life. If you want to have a confidential conversation with an Instant Messaging hurtful or intimidating real time  It is essential that you and your child understand the benefits independent body before taking any action you can ring: messages and responsible use of technology. Websites the creation of false or defamatory  Switching off the internet or mobile phones isn’t the answer. Parentline Plus – helpline for support and advice websites about an individual  Don’t wait for something to happen, make sure you and your 0808 800 2222 Social networking (eg.Bebo, Facebook, Myspace) – false child know how to use technology safely including the anti- information, or cyberbullying code. (See useful websites - Childnet) Text phone for hearing/speech impairments: 0800 783 6783 isolation  Make sure that you and your child know what to do if they Online gaming victimising or intimidating or someone they know are cyberbullied e.g. how to block the advice line: 08451 205 204 (10am-4pm weekdays) individuals on shared game sites bully.  Parental control software can limit who your child sends to or receives emails from and block access to chat rooms which are What are the signs Talking to of bullying? not moderated.  For primary aged children it is important to consider both school/college the location of the computer in your home so that you can Look for changes in your child: supervise internet access.  Secretive about work on Schools must have an anti- computer bullying policy that addresses  Keeping mobile on silent all forms of bullying including  Staying in their bedroom Cyberbullying and the cyberbullying. It should make  Changes in relationships with Law clear the measures that their friends can be taken to effectively  Anxious, moody, withdrawn, respond to cyberbullying quiet Cyberbullying activities can be offences under a range of different incidents.  Seem unhappy but refuses to civil and criminal laws related to harassment, threatening say why behaviour and malicious communications.  Complaining of headaches, stomach ache or other illnesses  Sleeping difficulties  Deterioration in their work