15 April 2009
New Guidance on Cyberbullying, Supporting school staff is published today:
Childnet International has produced guidance for the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) on Cyberbullying in relation to ‘Supporting School Staff’. This document builds on the 2007 Safe to Learn Cyberbullying guidance, and provides advice for employers of school staff – Local Authorities and governing bodies. It also offers advice for school staff about keeping themselves and their personal information safe. This timely and important advice was written in consultation with the DCSF Cyberbullying Taskforce, and with the support of the leading school employee unions and professional associations.
This Guidance adds to a range of other resources Childnet have produced for schools to help tackle cyberbullying, including the Let’s Fight It Together DVD, the Digizen Interactive, the Safe to Learn Cyberbullying guidance, and the summary document of that Guidance – Cyberbullying: A whole-school community approach.
"Every individual has a right to be respected at their place of employment and bullying of any kind is a violation of that right, so I hope that this guidance is used by all staff members and schools to prevent cyberbullying of staff and reduce the harm and hurt it can cause.
Bullying of any kind is harmful and, as it evolves alongside technological advances we see new forms, such as cyberbullying, making their mark. I know children are not the only victims of this humiliating form of bullying, school staff are too. That is why this guidance has been produced specifically to help and support school staff tackle cyberbullying. It provides straightforward advice and will help school staff know their rights and the powers they and schools have to deal with cyberbullying"
Rt Hon Ed Balls MP
Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families
"The potential benefits of the internet, mobile phones and new technologies are enormous for all of us – adults as well as children and young people. Increasingly, the use of and confidence with technology is critical for our work, social and civic lives. Bullying in any form should never be acceptable, and we know from talking to school staff and hearing their stories that cyberbullying can cause real pain to those on the receiving end. We hope that this guidance will provide the practical information and advice that schools and individual employees need to ensure that their whole-school communities are equipped to prevent and respond to cyberbullying"
Will Gardner, CEO, Childnet International
Will Gardner, CEO, Childnet International
Tel: 020 7639 6967
Email: will@childnet.com