Anti-Bullying Week theme announced

Thursday 27 August 2009

Cyberbullying is the theme for Anti-Bullying Week 2009 - the national awareness-raising week from the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), with the slogan - 'Stay safe in cyberspace'.

ABA highlights the fact that cyberbullying is affecting an increasing number of children and young people with access to mobile phones and computers.

Sue Steel, ABA National Manager, said: 'Cyberbullying is particularly unpleasant as it can affect children every time they switch on their phone or computer. It's just as serious as physical bullying but may be harder to spot.'

Tips for parents and carers to help keep children safe:

• Know which sites they visit and help them find the 'report abuse' or 'block sender' options so they feel in control;
• Tell children not to reply to unpleasant messages;
• Urge them to keep evidence of bullying texts, emails or posts on social networking sites;
• Make sure they act thoughtfully in cyberspace  - comments and photos can stay online forever and texts can be forwarded widely;
• Ensure they protect their password to keep files safe;
• Encourage them to take action and talk to you if they are cyberbullied.

Visit the Anti-Bulling Alliance website for more information on Anti-Bullying Week 2009.