A recent study by Beatbullying, found that a significant proportion of children in schools, 21% of 8-11 year olds and 28% of 11-16 year olds, had been victims of cyberbullying. Recent cases have also bought this issue to the forefront of the media, including the case concerning Olympic diver, Tom Daley, who was victim of an online attack.
Cyberbullying is the use of information or communications technology, deliberately to upset someone else. The invasion of the home, perceived anonymity and difficulty in controlling internet content can make cyberbullying potentially very harmful.
The nature of cyberbullying means that it may occur inadvertently as bullies cannot see their victim’s reactions and so are not aware that their actions amount to bullying.
There are many examples of good practice in schools to tackle the growing problem of cyberbullying but as technology advances, it is important that schools find a balance between protecting children from the ‘online world’ and increasing awareness about the nature and effects of cyberbullying.