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Cyberbullying

The advice below has been taken from a publication released by the Department of Education published in November 2014 and the systems we have in place at Drapers’ Academy. The advice is for parents and carers informing them about cyberbullying and how they can protect their children from this and how to tackle it if it occurs.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is a form of bullying that takes place using technology. This form of bullying can take place on social media sites, on mobile phones or other computer devices. Parents and carers need to be aware that most children are involved in cyberbullying in some way, either as a victim, perpetrator or bystander.

Possible signs of cyberbullying

Here are some signs to spot cyberbullying. Be alert to a change in your child’s behaviour, for example:

Being upset after using the internet or phone;
Unwilling to talk or secretive about their online activities and mobile phone use.
Spending much more or much less time texting, gaming or using social media.
Not wanting to go to school and/or avoiding meeting school friends.

What to do if you suspect a child is being cyberbullied

If you suspect your child or another young person is being bullied over the internet there are several things you can do for help. At Drapers’ Academy we have two systems in place for this. Firstly you can ask to speak to the Safer Schools Officer, PC Wayne Hopkins, who regularly visits the Academy or you can encourage the young child to use our S.H.A.R.P system if they want to report the bullying anonymously.

Here are some further useful resources to help prevent cyberbullying taking place:

Advice on setting boundaries on the internet

NSPCC – bullying and cyberbullying prevention

Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP)

UK Safer Internet Centre

Internet Safety Checklist by Childnet

Parental Controls Booklet 2021

CEOP Report Button

The NCA’s CEOP Command is here to help children and young people. We are here to help if you are a young person and you or your friend (up to age 18) has been forced or tricked into taking part in sexual activity with anyone online, or in the real world. We also have advice and links to support for other online problems young people might face, such as cyberbullying and hacking. Visit our Safety Centre for advice and to report directly to CEOP, by clicking on the Click CEOP button.