Cyber+bullying

= =  Hi everyone, Technology is a wonderful thing, isn't it? Yet, as with many things it is open to abuse. The 'dark side' (Campbell, 2005), rears its ugly head when in the hands of bullies. Bullying is not new, it goes on at homes, scholls and in the workplace. What is new is the accessibility. Technology has allowed access to places where victims could 'hide', a haven you might say. There is little escape (unless you turn everything off), as contact can be made via mobile phone, web, email, chatrooms and even cameras on mobile phones. The written word has more power than the spoken one and throws the old saying 'sticks and stones' out the proverbial window. Preventitive measures must be taken through education of all. Responsible use of technology must be implemented and an awareness of the repercussions of bullying is necessary to educate teachers, students and parents alike. There are many websites available to implement prevention via educating and ensuring that awareness is out in the open and is no longer an individual problem but is a community and further a societal problem. Ref: Campbell, M. A. (2005). Cyberbullying: An old problem in a new guise? //Australian Journal of guidance can counselling.// 15(1):68-76. Australian Academic Press. Lilian Moore 9.15 am 23/08/09
 * CYBERBULLYING **

Hi all
Ive been on a few websites regarding cyber bullying and it is amazing the amount of information we have out there and available to us to help prevent it. one that i have found has a section for both teachers, parents and students to receive information: []

The other site i thought was great and probably more effective with primary school children was the one linked to module 2 week 18, here is the site http://www.esafetynorthtyneside.org.uk/article/?id=46476. this had two different styles of getting the message across and those messages had two different audiences. the song was great i thought the use of the croc was a great image of a cyberbullier.



The information was given to the children through: 1. older primary school students had a facts sheet to read. 2. the younger ones had a song (with the croc in it) and after the word SMART with messages on each letter, that when you click the messages are said out loud. this is a great way to get the messge across.

Thanks Gabby =The Cyberbullying Resource Page= This is a page to start your collection of resources, ideas, opinions, web sites, good ideas from classroom practice around the issue of Cyberbullying.

To get you started here is an article related to the issue.

[|What parents need to know about cyberbullying] = =

=Cyber Bullying= I remember a couple of years ago I was working in a Grade 6 classroom and a mother had come to complain about a cyber bullying incident in which her daughter had been the victim. The ICT coordinator quickly intervened and talked to the students involved. He also organised a Level 4 meeting in which he discussed cyber bullying. A few other Level 4 meetings continued in which the need for a proper Cyber bullying program was established. Other reports of Cyber Bullying were not reported after this one, however the school remained vigilant. Many of those students went to secondary school together so the danger of other incidents followed them. I rememer thinking that it wasn't really fair for the teacher to have to deal with issues where those incidents happen at home way after all teachers and students have gone home. I know a little more about Cyber Bullying now especially after reading the DEECD's website on the topic, but i still think that parents rely too much on teachers to solve all problems for their children and it is their resposiblitiy as parents to monitor what their children do on the computers at home. I think that schools should educate students on the subject and should also provide sessions for parents, since many of them have never come or never will come in contact with a computer, however there has to be a limit to what teachers are responsible for.

Alejandra Zalewski

=School Policies-some thoughts from Catherine Chalmers=

I found the Campbell article outlines Cyber bullying clearly. It is obvious as she says that the consequences of cyber bullying “could be even more severe than those of face to face bullying” (p 3). The Department of Education in Tasmania is well aware of the potential harm that may be caused to students. It is stated on their Web Safety website that “The internet is an important communications tool of the Information Age and it is crucial that Tasmanian students learn to be able to participate effectively in the digital environments created by the Internet and other electronic media. The virtual world provided by the internet has some risk as well as opportunities. These risks include: · Easy access to information that is unsuitable for children. · Contact with individuals on the internet who may be unfriendly, rude or exploitative. · Commercial activities and marketing on the internet. These risks can be minimised by appropriate supervision, the use of internet filters, education and behaviour management”. I believe that Wikis are terrific things to use in the classroom but it is obvious teachers have to be very careful about how they use them and other Web 2.0 tools. References Campbell, Marilyn A (2005) Cyber bullying: An old problem in a new guise?. //Australian Journal of Guidance and Counselling// 15(1):68-76.Australian Academic Press. Department of Education Tasmania Website [] from Catherine Chalmers

__Cyber bullying__ I have never witnessed any cyber bullying myself or at the school which I work at which is a positive. But you hear about sad stories of young people being bullied all the time. This can unfortunatly lead to depression and even worse suicide! I think every school should raise the awareness of bullying and what the consequences of face-to-face or cyber bullying are.

I have posted a venn diagram above, which fellow students can add their own thoughts. I suggest that you use a different font or colour so that we can identify when someone has added to the venn diagram. Naomie O'Loughlin My ICT skills are still at the crawling stage and I am unsure as to how inserting a table into the venn diagram will help. I found that you just need to go to the end of the last line and hit enter (just like typing a sentence) and it will take you down the venn diagram. I hope this is of help or clear as mud. Naomie Thanks for this idea, I now see what you are talking about and it does make it easier to add ideas in this situation. Naomie is face to face || Victims and perpetrators || Uses modern technology such as the internet to carry out the attack. || be spreading untruths behind the victims back.(gossip) || Both || the internet can be used to spread gossip that is either true or untrue behind the victims back, it can not be deleted, or taken back and every one can see. ||
 * Naomie: It may be easier to include your venn diagram as a table on the wikipage if you want people to be able to contribute and add their ideas. I tried pasting on as a picture for you but then wasn't able to add text to it... Unless someone's got another idea.**
 * Oh, ok. I just thought a table would be easier as then people can just add onto the page rather than saving the attachment and then re-uploading it with their changes. I've put a table below for you to show you what I mean. Sorry i don't mean to take over what you've posted. A Venn Diagram is a great idea! but it's just a bit difficult to add to is all. But if you don't like the table idea, just delete it, I'll understand.**
 * **Bullying** || **Both** || **Cyber Bullying** ||
 * Verbal and/or physical abuse that
 * Bullying does not have to be face to face, Bullying can
 * Usually small audience, not a wide spreading capacity || Attackers (audience) || Large audience, fast paced attack, wide spreading capacity ||

= =

Dear Naomie, sorry can't open files with the extention .docx Antje

Hi Antje, I believe the problem is that I use Microsoft 2007 not 2003 which the uni uses. I will try to convert my document into a 2003 version and re post it. Naomie I have removed the dox. file so no-one else has the same problem. Naomie Click on Edit (top right hand corner) and add your own resources, ideas, opinions about cyberbullying. When you are done, click Save.

 If we can encourage bystanders, or peers (Campbell, 2005) to be brave and say "NO" to cyber bullying, or any form of bullying, then most bullies wont find it enjoyable anymore; no audience, no fun. The key is to educate the bystanders and a good tool for this is with videos on Youtube. There are some really heart wrenching stories on the effects that cyber bullying has on students. Take a look at [|Teen bulllying prevention - A cyber bullying prevention story-6] What Ryan's father is doing is gaining empathy from fellow students (bystanders) and in the process, alienating bullying. Today i heard for the first time the term "bullycide" - suicide caused by bullying, I think it is so sad that this has become such a common occurence that there is a term for it. For an easy to understand guide to cyberbullying and prevention go to [] N Airey, 10 August, 2009. 4:00pm

Hi everyone,

For all the people working in Victorian schools here is the link to some resources and strategies regarding cyber bullying from the Victorian education website.

[]

J Beaton 10/10/09 7:00pm

Good morning!

Through reading these articles, and feeling dissapointed that this still happens despite all these inteventions and strategies to reduce and stop bullying - whether online or in the playground - I can't help but wonder Why? Why do people bully? I'm starting to research more into why people would bully, as I feel that then I can implement the strategies and inteventions with more understanding. I feel it'll help me help everyone to prevent this horrible behaviour happening.

Yasmin McIntosh Posted 11th August, 11.09AM

I agree with Megan. We need to remove the cyber from the issue. Anonymity is probably the greatest strength in this issue because people do and say things that they would probably never have considered in real life! I also wonder if, due to the electronic aspect of this, children sometimes think it is a game. Just like XBox and PS3, the kids a re a step removed from actual contact with a real person, so maybe the implications or ramifications aren't registering because it is just another game? Cheers, Wendy Balassa August 11th, 2009 7.45PM

Wendy makes some good points here. Anonymity certainly seems to make it easier for people to say things they otherwise might not. Of course whether in cyberspace or not, some people will always bully others. I wonder if the anonymity actually encourages those who would otherwise not be bullies to actually take part in bullying activities. I have witnessed my own children being bullied via the internet and also sms. It is sometimes more hurtful to be bullied this way, not knowing exactly who is saying things about you. It is also easy for something said in jest to be taken the wrong way. It's a big issue! Andrea Casey August 23rd, 11:00am

Wow! I have just spent the past 30 minutes reading poetry written by people who were at one stage in their life the victims of bullying. Their messages were so profound and made me feel so sad. I guess I had never really realised how lucky I was as a child growing up who did not experience this extent of bullying and I am very thankful for that. It was interesting to note that most of the contributions were from females. The video created by Childnet International KIs Support Services was a very powerful creation of the impact of cyber bullying and gave me an insight into what it ‘looks like' for young people. I feel very naive and again am grateful that as a parent my children so far have been spared the trauma; I hope this remains for their sake. I am overwhelmed by the amount of information regarding cyber bullying and it saddens me that our society is although not accepting of this behaviour seemingly unable to stamp it out. Let’s hope that the strength of the human spirit is enough to get those who are bullied through to the other side of their experiences. Cheers Bronnie Whitelaw August 11th, 8:48pm

Hey everyone, I just read the reading my Campbell (2005) and I think that it raised some important points. It made me so angry that anyone could think that bullying is a part of normal childhood growth and development. Many children, like Bronnie has recognised in reading those poems are deeply traumatised by the experience and can effect them for life. I agree with the article that so much needs to done to raise the issue of cyber bullying and find an effective way to measure the problem at school, home and in the wider community. The article recognises that punishment is not the cure but collaboration between the school, parents and the students needs to be arranged in order to address the problem. The statistics of cyber bullying victims is very scary, especially as a mother with a young boy. We really need to start addressing this problem now. Thanks Claire Kent August 12th, 10.22am

Hey guys, I too have completed the reading and have first hand experience within the school in which I work about the right and wrong way to treat cyber bullies. After a mild incident with cyber bullying it was decided to remove all internet privileges( against my better judgment and authority) for three months. The students could only use computer programs and word processing tools. What happened was an amazing learning experience for me as a parent and educator on bullying and more directly IT-Web 2.0. The amount of home environmental cyber bullying increased to a dangerous level .Instead of educating our students it was decided to 'pop' it away for a while and re- introduce the issue when the students had calmed down and learnt their lesson! During this period the school ran a series of parent education sessions, put notes in the school newsletters and had a 'chat' session from our professional learning team from our CEO to students, parents and staff. The only thing they did not do was to allow the students to learn from their mistakes in an authentic way, in the classroom! The information provided in Campbell (2005) stresses all the key areas(awareness raising, supervision, policies etc), we need to assure we are at the forefront of our students lives when in relation to cyber bullying and be informed of the potential these tools have both in a positive and negative way.My passion lies with this subject because regardless if it is cyber bullying or bullying of any sort we need to address the issues raised in the readings to breed a society of students who we are proud of but more importantly who are proud of themselves.

Cheryl

Hi everyone,
====I have not been involved in any type of cyber bullying, so I am quite inexperienced at the way that we should treat it. I found Campbells article very insightful and am further invesigating different sites and such on how cyberbullying is treated. I am unsure of what our school's policy is on any cyber bullying issues, but we are very strict on any bullying and the like and use restorative practices to help resolve some of these issues. I've got some things I need to look up when I get back to work next week. ==== ====Cheryl, your story was something that I can see happening in so many schools. How many people just want to pretend it is not happening, or the bully will stop it soon enough. I don't think some people (adults) can relate to how the bullying victims are feeling, so how on earth are they going to be able to teach bullys why they should not do it in the first place?? ====

**13 August**
Hi all,

Gosh, you've all been very busy - what a lot of interesting reading, links and ideas there are on the site!

On the topic of cyberbullying: I believe that the issue of bullying is a societal problem. We have all winced when we've seen the amateur video of the mothers encouraging their daughters to beat up their peers. We've listened to traumatised mothers relating how their young children have been relentlessly bullied at school. We've heard mothers defending their children's behaviour when they have been accused of bullying others. Bullying is nothing new. Use of new technology to bully is a new development that clearly has more intrusive and sinister qualities. But as so many of you have stated here, why do these bullies do it? Is there a way that we can change society to become more responsible? Does every town have to have signs on their entry roads proclaiming that they are 'non-bullying' towns? (Campbell, 2005.) Does society have the funding and resources to rehabilitate these bullies? Or can their behaviour be halted through specific responses alone?


 * Reference:** Campbell, M.A. (2005). Cyber bullying: An old problem in a new guise? //Australian Journal of Guidands and Counselling// 15(1):68-75

I can see that my posting has merely poised questions without offering any new insights. I'll work on them myself, discuss them with people at school, and hopefully find an answer to one of them.

Kind Regards

//Stephanie//

Hi All, Today I actually heard about cyber bullying in our school for the first time. The incident occured between two girls and their home computers. As the issue happened at home we were advised not to intervene. This issue prompted a discussion and I suggested that we discuss with our students the implications of cyberbulling and the dangers of the internet. Our students need to learn to be aware of these issues and how to use technology in a safe manner. I think education on the subject is vital. Students need to also be aware of what they can do if a situation arises with them. Kelli,

--Hey everyone,

I have not witnessed cyber bullying at the school I work at, probably because I work in the grade one class!But I understand the dangers of it. When I was a teenager, msn was used to bully, as you could create an email under any name, and add any address you wanted, without them knowing who it was. I was never personally bullied but was very wary and did not accept adds from any person I was unsure of. My fiance (an IT technician) told me how easy it is for anyone with a little computer experience to hack into people's msn, facebook, myspace, etc, and change details, write distasteful messages, etc. This youtube video would be good to show students to advise them of the dangers of cyber bullying. []


Each state has their own page about cyber bullying on the department of education web site, and this is Tasmania's.

[] ♡Mel ♡

Cyber bullying is an issue that I beleive will increase as technologies advance. I found this weeks reading; Cyberbullying: An old problem in a new guise (Campbell, M) so interesting and informative that I have put it in my handbag and will share it with my friends. The issues that it raised were important to us as educators but mainly as parents of this 'digital generation'. The things that stood out to me which I highlightened as I read are:

It was great to see that there are things that can be done about it like making students aware of the issue, supervision, peer/buddy programs. To me the job as a parent seems bigger - as I searched some of the websites above, I realised that I would have to continually learn about the technologies and keep up to date and aware so I did not lose touch with the computer generation - it IS a part of their schooling, their jobs and their future. I need to be a part of keeping them safe.
 * <span style="color: #ab173d; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; text-align: left;">1 in 6 children are being bullied at least once a week (wow!)
 * <span style="color: #ab173d; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; text-align: left;">young people use online technologies to sustain their social networks
 * <span style="color: #ab173d; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; text-align: left;">most targets were bullied by texting and email and is a growing problem (scary)
 * <span style="color: #ab173d; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; text-align: left;">cyber bullying has a wider audience (this is sad that the humiliation can be shared amongst many)
 * <span style="color: #ab173d; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; text-align: left;">the cyber bully can remain annoymous (not fair!)
 * That this type of bullying goes beyond the classroom (how sad that it invades our homes and our children are not safe there!) <span style="color: #ab173d; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #ab173d; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; text-align: left;"> <span style="color: #ab173d; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 1342177.27%; text-align: left;">

(Jo Piening, 14th Aug 2009. 11.55am)

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff00ff; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; text-align: left;">I think part of the technology generation gap which exists often between parents and teachers and children is one of language. Sometimes even though the home computer is in an open location accessible to other family members if you as an adult cant understand the messages being sent or received its harder to interpret. It is as if your child is speaking in a foreign language. I have found this website <span style="color: #ab173d; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%; text-align: left;">[] to be useful. It is in the form of a dictionary so you can search for the acronym you have seen your child sending or receiving. Anne McDonald 14/8 1.10pm<span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif;">

<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;">

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff00ff; font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif;">With all the technology available to help enhance students education- the risks of Cyber Bullying is a real concern. To be honest, while I was in school- I never had a problem with this. However after reading all the information about it, it is disappointing the current students are faced with it. And because this technology is such a major part of the current generations lives, I see the importance of teachers being aware and up to date on these issues. Students need to feel able to speak to their teacher about it. Really at the end of the day, we are only responsible for what happens in our classroom between 8am-3pm, but this is a huge responsibility that must be taken seriously. We can not control what takes place at home, however its important that there are clear, fair guidelines to protect the students, and that it is understood that any form of bullying (just like bullying in the playground or classroom) will not be tolerated!!! (Bec Cotter, 14th Aug 2009. 7:59pm)

From the readings and research this week, I think the first step to preventing cyber bullying is being aware that it is an issue. The fact that we are studying the subject at the moment is fantastic as we are aware that it is a huge problem, and we can work on ideas to prevent it from happening in our own classrooms in the years to come. The [|website] has some wonderful resources for children, parents and teachers who are trying to deal cyber bullying.

Katie Powell (15th August 2009 3:45pm)

<span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;">16th August 2009 - Alison Jales

I think that one of the main problems with traditional bullying in a school situation is the isolation the victim feels. Is there a way this isolation can be overcome through internet sites? There seem to be plenty of sites telling stories about bullying and showing the terrible results. Are there also ways of victims connecting with each other, sharing stories and support and offering ideas on how to deal with their problems? I will have a look and see what I can find. We seem to have talked throughout this unit about students being involved in online communities and the dangers associated with this, but I'd like to think that these can also have positive effects too.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;">I just watched <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Georgia,serif;"> [|Teen bulllying prevention - A cyber bullying prevention story-] posted by N Airey on Aug 10. <span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;">The video moved me to tears. I then read some of the comments underneath the video (which I won't repeat here. I think the 'anonymity' of the internet means that people are prepared to post cruel comments that they wouldn't dare say in person for fear of consequences. By using the internet bullies can post comments and avoid immediate consequences. Because it can be difficult to pinpoint Cyberbullying perpetrators, I think Cyberbullying policies in schools need to be focused on prevention. It should be introduced to students at an early age, and revisited often. Teachers need to be aware of new forms of Cyberbullying as well because they are changing all the time. After looking at some Cybersafety websites, I now know what 'happy slapping' is. Before, if a student had told me this had occured, I wouldn't have known what it meant. Nicole Ryan 17 Aug 2009 10.29am

Are the children who cyber bully the same kids who are bullies in the real playground? Or has a new bully evolved as a result of technology? I am unaware of any cyber bullying were I work but know it has been an issue at my children's primary school, they have held many parent information nights which have been poorly attended. Some parents see cyberbullying as a school issue, although a fair amount happens on home computers. I would think more so at home, as student access to social networking sites at school is limited. Like everything that has been new before education is the key but I think there is a generation gap in some respects. Justine Elliott 17/8/09

Cyber bullying is a new twist on an old problem. The availability of new technology both at school and at home gives the bullies a larger audience and more anonymity than when bullying happens face-to-face. Although there has not been much research according to Campbell (2005) into this particular kind of bullying, it has some far reaching consequences. Face-to-face bullying, while distressing is usually not written for a wide audience to see and pictures are not posted on the internet for others to see, so the victim doesn’t relive the experience over and over again. The punitive approach of taking away the right to use technology cannot solve the problem and as Campbell (2005) explains, this approach is mainly to appease adults. There is plenty of information available to help teachers and parents educate their children on cyber safety. One website I visited [] has cyber safety messages which are aimed at children as young as two. This website has simple messages which help children to understand how to keep themselves safe while on the internet. Schools need to have an anti-bullying policy which includes cyber bullying and as Campbell (2005) indicates, social programs which create empathy for the victim can give some students the courage to speak up when they know a situation is happening. Parents and teachers have an equal responsibility to monitor what the children are doing online and how they use their mobile phones at school and at home. The idea of having the home computer in a central area seems like a good one to help keep track of what children are doing online. The same should be the case for the classroom. Teachers need to keep track of what their students are doing by frequently checking to see how students are progressing. Helen

Campbell, M.A. (2005). Cyber bullying: An old problem in a new guise? //Australian Journal of// // Guidance and Counselling // 15(1):68-75
 * Reference **** : **


 * __Cyber Bullying__**
 * This issue is very serious and one that warrants particular attention in light of recent incidents. Marilyn Campbell's article was written four years ago** **therefore we can assume that the prevalence of this sort of bullying has increased. More and more schools are providing their students with greater access to Web 2.0 technologies** **and mobile phones. My son's school is an example of one that is embracing these technologies and already they have encountered numerous problems, cyber bullying being one of them. Students were using their mobile phones to bully as well as their** **ipod** **touches. They were also accessing their facebook accounts during school hours** **and viewing highly inappropriate materials.** **This all came to light last week when the parent-teacher night was conducted and a number of parents complained. The school has responded by restricting the use of mobile phones to the lunch hour and reminding parents to educate their children in the responsible use of the technology. These are twelve and thirteen year old kids and the majority have mobile phones and a number have facebook pages. My son does not have a mobile phone,a personal email account or facebook nor are we in any hurry to provide him with them. It is not an issue. He has already suffered some face to face bullying and I know this would have been compounded had he possessed a mobile and internet accounts outside of school.

Barbara Willard (2009) has produced a very useful handout for parents on social networking safety. In it she makes the point that the lack of "tangible feedback about consequences of online activities interferes with recognition that actions have caused harm." It is so easy to bully in this way. Teens brains haven't developed enough to reliably make good choices.(Willard, 2009). Often they act before they think and as a consequence they post material that is harmful to themselves and others. Finding adequate answers to these problems is difficult, but I think educating both parents and kids about the responsible use of the technology is vital. The Victorian Department of Education(2007) issued a "Internet acceptable use kit for students and parents" in PDF format that sets clear guidlines for internet use at home and school. It also has a section for teacher/student discussion where possible scenario's are posed and the kids are asked what they would do in those circumstances.** **Parents and teachers must remain vigilant and well aware of possible dangers for the good of all the children in their care.** LouiseB 17.08.09

Hi Everybody,

What an awful (that is awe inspiring awful not dreadful awful) lot of really great stuff we've got written here. Great resources and ideas. I'm with Stephanie wondering if there is a way to change our whole society so that these crass things don't happen. A bit idealistic maybe but if you aim at nothing that's what you'll get. I looked at the video [|Talking about bullying] and though it wasn't cyberbullying it raised a couple of points for me. 2 factors of the program referred to in the video were empathy and environment. The students were educated all the way through primary school into empathy and strategies to deal with bullying. Helping bullies to understand the impact of what they are doing whether it involves bashing or just continually leaving someone out and helping everyone to understand what motivates bullying and how they are just ordinary people making bad decisions probably as a reaction to something else. One thing that struck me was that the headteacher was saying that through that program they had created a culture where the incidence of bullying was minimal and students were skilled to deal with it as they left the primary school. This culture or environment idea was reinforced by viewing the video - a cyber bullying prevention story - 6 linked to by N. Airy on this page on the 10.8.09. Here the speaker strongly calls on 'bystanders' to not stand around and laugh with the bully. There are the tools and rules to guide each of us into safe use but we also need to educate ourselves and our students into understanding and empathy so the power of bullying is undermined. Rae 18.8.09

My father is a high school chaplin, and has a published book that he wrote several years ago in regards to beating bullying in schools - the book is a widespread success and my fathers recommendations on how to combat bullying are used widely by schools - HOWEVER when speakng to my dad recently about the Geelong school girl who took her own life due to cyberbullying, I commented that it is about time society wakes up and realises the damage that cyberbullying can do, and that I believe it has more damaging results than the face to face bullying; I was shocked that he disagreed with me, he said and I quote "cyberbullying is just a fad, its effects dont last and kids can easily block out cyber bullying, face to face is the only type of bullying there is" I guess my father and I must agree to disagree, but it is sad that he takes that view considering he is an advocate in research for and combating the face to face bullying, if he isnt aware and concerned then who is?

Kristen Pepyat 8:31pm 18 Aug 09

Legal implications of cyberbullying for schools
Our school recently circulated an article called "Cyberbullying: a real and present danger" by Robert Pelletier, taken from the magazine "Teacher" (August, 2009). The author looks at the legal responsibilities of teachers in regard to cyberbullying. If it happens on school property in school time "then the school may be liable according to the ordinary principles of negligence" (p. 14) but beyond this context it becomes more unclear. Cyberbullying occuring outside school will often be connected with bullying behaviour at school. Pelletier, a lawyer, states that "liability kicks in where the school knows or ought to have known about the risks, the risks are not insignificant and it's reasonable for the school to do something about those risks" (p. 14). A complex issue for teachers and schools. My thought after reading the article centred on the huge importance of developing positive relationhips with students and parents so that potential problems and issues can be effectively dealt with, and some hopefully even avoided. Ruth Freeman, 19 Aug 09

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Contributing to the Cyber Bullying. My work the other day in staff meeting were made to watch a video on the issue. The video was released by the Department of Education and Early Childhood development with a site called Wise Up To it. []<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">. Click on the Videos link. There are 4 videos and go for around 15minutes to watch the 4, but its well worth the watch.We are showing these videos to all the grades in the school. It was very confronting and scary to find out how easily people can be bullied and their accounts broken into. I went away with the vital information of <span style="background-color: #000000; color: #ff0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">NEVER <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;"> give out your personal details or accounts information to <span style="background-color: #000000; color: #78b749; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">ANYONE! <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">. Even if its someone close to you. The website that we were asked to go have a look at has some great links also. Links such as Cyber Smart Kids, Bullying No Way, Department of Education and Chat Guide. I believe this is such an important issue, especially now days that kids have internet at home and all have MSN and face book. Amy Jewell 19/08/09 5:20pm

I think it's important to show students the implications of cyberbullying. They need to know that it is not something that will necessarily be handled within the class, or even within the school, but that there may be legal implications. Perhaps we should show them articles such as this one about the first person jailed for cyberbullying in the UK from [|The Guardian].

Alison Jales 01/09/09

I have been very impressed with all that I have read on this page - Alison that was a very interesting article from the guardian. I also read somewhere that in the US there were moves to make bullies liable over the Internet. Cheers, Vic.

CYBE**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">RBULLYING **

When I went to school I saw children being bullied at first you think thank god it isn't me then I started feeling really sorry for the victims. I grew up with 4 brothers and over time I learnt to stand my ground and began defending those victims of bullying. I had friends from all groups at school because i didn't take sides and judge people on their appearance or background. Now a parent I am trying to pas this attitude on to my children, already my 6 year old son came home from school telling us how the new student in the class in his class was being teased because his name was Harrison, we asked what did he do about it he turned around and said that the boy who was doing was Liam Harris and that he told Liam his name was Harris so what was he on he on about. Suprisingly enough my son said he ran away and didnt say it again. Very clever I thought. Cyberbullying is a pet hate of mine with teenage siblings using mobile phones for their main form of communication you also hear that they are inapropriately using these tools to bully others or be bullied. I now know many teenagers using the cyberworld to take on their disputes. When I was younger it was generally all to your face there was no other option. On facebook the other day and one of the people on my friend list was having a go at a 16 year old boy I know about calling her daughter names who is 13 and was at a party drinking. The mother was defending the daughters behaviour all online for every one to see i was horified. I made a post about using facebook for keeping in touch with friends and family and not for this cause. The first response i got was in support from the person involved sister in law who obviously was feeling the same way as me. Cowards i believe hide behind the safety of the cyber world there is no confrontation or chance for defence, just have your say and go. After all this we started to look at cyberbullying and i decided that it was of utmost importance to provide the opportunity to my students and their parents to become educated on cybersafety and understand the effects of cyberbullying. Even when on facebook the pop ups that are available i believe are a form of bullying they are always in your face just waiting for that weak moment to pounce on you and discover all your information.

That was a bit like venting I feel better now thanks everyone lol Tara-lee Irvin 21/9/09