Young Anti-Bullying Alliance and Anti-Bullying Week

Hi!

My name is Michael and I am the South East member of the Young Anti-Bullying Alliance and I want to tell you about our work and Anti-Bullying Week (16^th- 20^th November)

Who are we?

We are the Young Anti-Bullying Alliance representing each government office region in England. There are 18 of us who come together every 1-2 months to help stop bullying in our region. We work closely with policy makers to ensure that change comes from the top.  This year, our focus is helping you ‘stay safe in Cyberspace’ through tackling cyberbullying

So what is cyberbullying?   

Cyberbullying is using technology such as texts, emails or social networking sites to upset someone and bully them such as ‘Happy Slapping’ or silent calls.

• Cyberbullying is not always taken as seriously as other forms of bullying, but it is just as hurtful like hitting or name calling
• Cyberbullying can happen anywhere and at any time of the day or night.
• You need to be aware of how to keep safe online.
• Parents or carers need to know how to make sure their children are safe using mobiles and the internet and also how to support us if we do experience cyberbullying.

With up to a third of young people facing some type of cyberbullying, we know it is not a new, but with more of us using technology, it can only become a bigger problem.

Now Young ABA want to hear what your opinions on this:

1. What do you think about cyberbullying?
2. Have you been affected by cyberbullying?
3. Do you think mobile phone companies, social networking sites, schools or the Government are doing enough to stop cyberbullying?
4. Are parents given enough support to keep their children safe online?
5. Most importantly, what do you think should happen to help stop cyberbullying?

Here are some last words from Young ABA. If you are experiencing cyberbullying, or know of anyone who has, stay safe by following these tips:

• Save the messages or pictures and show a trusted adult like a parent or teacher.
• Don’t reply. Never try to get them back or reply if you’ve been sent a nasty message. Block the bully and report it to an adult you can trust.
• Report it. Most websites and mobile phone operators have a place where you can report abuse.
• Always respect others. Be careful what you say and what you send. Messages and images can be made public and can stay online forever.
• Protect yourself. Don’t share your address, phone number or passwords.
• Be careful of what you say and send to other people.
• Talk to someone you trust about it.
• Call childline on 0800 1111 or go to or go to www.kidscape.org.uk/cyberbullying  for advice on how to stay safe online.

Thanks for reading!

Michael