News from Cyber Cyril
Cyber Cyril has been looking into cyberbullying this week and has been alarmed at the statistics that parents need to know. Incidents of cyberbullying have increased, with 12% of 9-16 year olds experiencing cyberbullying. It’s important to know that technology doesn’t cause people to behave badly, but some people use it to carry out harmful actions.
Cyber Cyril has been thinking about his own family – nearly everyone owns a mobile phone or tablet device capable of accessing apps and allows links to different sites online. He knows that anyone can be a victim of cyberbullying and is particularly concerned that cyberbullying can include the following:
- Threats and intimidation
- Harassment or stalking (repeated texts or messages)
- Defamation (upsetting or unkind remarks posted about someone)
- Ostracising/peer rejection (where peers may not include someone in games/chats)
- Identity theft
- Publicly posting or sending personal or private information or images!
Bullying is not a specific criminal offence, however harassment, malicious communications, stalking, threatening violence and incitement all are and are covered by the following laws:
- Equality act 2010
- Protection from Harassment act 1997
- Communicaitons Act 2003
- Computer misuse Act 1990
- Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015
- Protection of Children Act 1978
- Criminal Justice Act 1988
Help your child to look out for Cyberbullies and make sure they know how to block and report on sites. Apps such as BBC’s Own It are also created to help develop understanding and digital wellbeing.