Staying safe in cyberspace
Staying safe online is vital - and it can be easier
than you think. Why not download and print our Top Tips and keep it with you at all
times.
You should also keep evidence of cyberbullying - by saving
messages and MSN conversations or by using the ‘print screen’
button on your computer.
Anti-Bullying Week
Anti-Bullying Week sends a clear and positive message that bullying
is neither acceptable or inevitable. The theme of this year’s
Anti-Bullying Week is cyberbullying - the use of mobile phones, the
internet and other technology to deliberately upset someone
else. Cyberbullying is, of course, still bullying, but it does
differ in some ways:
• you can be cyberbullied 24 hours a
day, seven days a week through the internet and mobile phones
• it is difficult to control the spread
of unwanted messages
• people who cyberbully can remain
anonymous
• anyone can be a target, anyone can
bully; age or size is not important
• some cyberbullying is unintentional –
such as a message sent as a joke or a text forwarded to unintended
recipients
Need some support?
If you need help or advice about bullying, you
can call ChildLine (0800 1111) or go to the
ChildLine website
ChildLine is the UK’s free, confidential
helpline for children and young people. They offer advice and
support, by phone and online, 24 hours a day. Whenever and wherever
you need them, they’ll be there.
You can also find support and advice online by
contacting CyberMentors. This is a safe
social networking site
providing information and support for young people affected by
bullying.
The Child Exploitation and Online
Protection Centre (CEOP) offers help and advice on
cyberbullying, and maintains a special website for children and
young people, and parents and carers about staying safe online.
Young Anti-Bullying
Alliance
The Young Anti–Bullying Alliance is a
group of children and young people from all around the country
determined to put an end to bullying. Supported by the
Anti-Bullying Alliance, they have their own website.