Safe Schools are Effective Schools

Back to:

Cyber Bullying

Multimedia technologies have created new domains in which young people learn and interact. Technology such as mobile phones, SMS, in-phone cameras, emails and chat rooms can be an effective way to learn and a great way to communicate.

Unfortunately some people use this technology to bully others by sending threatening or unwanted messages or spreading nasty rumours.

Netalert (http://www.netalert.gov.au/advice/risks/cyberbullying/What_is_cyber_bullying.html) defines cyber bullying as:

"Bullying that is carried out through an internet service, such as email, chat room, discussion group or instant messaging. It can also include bullying through mobile phone technologies such as short messaging service (SMS). Examples of cyber bullying include teasing, spreading rumours online, ending unwanted messages, or defamation."

A recent survey conducted by Netalert revealed that:

  • 16% of children said they had been bullied online, while 14% were bullied through their mobile phone, with boys and girls experiencing similar levels
  • younger children were more likely to be bullied online, with older children more likely through their mobile phone
  • 56% thought it was easy to get bullied online, especially among girls and younger children.

Strategies

Schools are required to:

  • Put in place whole-school strategies and initiatives as outlined in the Department’s anti-bullying policy Safe Schools are Effective Schools (PDF - 616Kb).
  • Update and implement a Student Code of Conduct that identifies goals and standards for student behaviour, see Effective Schools are Engaging Schools Student Engagement Policy Guidelines (PDF - 876Kb).
  • Involve students, staff and parents in updating the Student Code of Conduct.
  • Work in partnership with parents to reduce and manage bullying.
  • Use the Working with the Web Guide which has been developed to support schools in developing and maintaining websites that meet current government guidelines and standards. It also supports schools to develop a simple, comprehensive approach for minimising the risks associated with Internet use. The Tool Kit replaces the Department’s SafetyNet Guidelines. This resource also provides useful information in relation to bridging the gap between home and school in relation to safe internet usage.

Schools should also raise awareness in the school community about:

  • the seriousness of cyber bullying, its impact on those being bullied, and how this bullying behaviour is unacceptable;
  • the need to inform the school if the student is being cyber bullied, or if the student is aware that another student is being cyber bullied;
  • the school’s policy and strategies to address cyber bullying;
  • prevention methods such as protecting students’ phone numbers and not responding to SMS messages
  • the criminal offence of cyber bullying;
  • the Department’s anti-bullying strategy Safe Schools are Effective Schools (PDF - 616Kb)
  • Useful Resources which offer support and advice in relation to cyber bullying

 

More information

For more information about cyber bullying and how to combat it, see: