Government guidance on cyberbullying

Commenting on the latest DCSF guidance on cyberbullying Steve Sinnott General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the UK’s largest teaching union said:

"From mobiles to social network sites the world of cyberspace has opened up a myriad range of opportunities for bullies.

"The use of insulting and undermining messages in social network sites, which affect both young people and teachers, now accompanies the pernicious offence of happy slapping.

"New powers to discipline have however strengthened teachers’ hands in tackling bullying.

"The new cyberbullying guidance is a result of a unique partnership between IT providers, teachers and the Government.

"As good as the guidance is, parents, teachers and young people will still need the assurance that when a complaint is made to a provider offensive material will be removed.

"I urge the Government and providers to monitor closely the effectiveness of the guidance to see if any further changes in the law are needed".