The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) is issuing a warning to all parents to be alert to the signs of cyberbullying and to know how to help and protect their children.
‘Stay Safe in Cyberspace’ is the theme of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week, which runs from 16-20 November 2009, and is in response to the growing problem of cyberbullying – by text and online. cyberbullying is affecting an increasing number of children as younger age groups are given mobile phones and access to computers.
The Anti-Bullying Alliance was founded by NCB and NSPCC in 2002 and is made up of 60 organisations. The ABA has issued top tips for parents to alert them to the problem of cyberbullying and to help them take active steps to protect their children, as well as top tips for children and young people themselves.
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 for parents and carers to spot.’Cyberbullying AdviceTips for parents and carers to help keep their children safe from cyberbullying:
 Know which websites your children visit and help them find the ‘report abuse’ or ‘block sender’ options so they can feel in control
Tell your children not to reply to unpleasant messages
Urge them to keep evidence – not to delete 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
information safe
Encourage them to take action and talk to you if they are cyberbullied
Tips for children and young people:
Don’t give out personal details such as your mobile number, address or email online
Regularly check and clean your ‘friends’ lists on social networking sites
Keep evidence - callers and mailers can be traced
Remember that sites you’ve created and emails you’ve sent can be traced back to you months or years later
If you are being bullied in any way you must tell someone who can help – a teacher, parent/carer, friend, sister/brother or other relative
October 2009 | 
Vitamin D - Mums Are In The Dark
