Cyber bullying and e-safety

Cyber bullying and e-safety are issues of particular concern for many learners. These terms cover bullying that is:

Online, including social networking sites like Facebook and Bebo.
Through electronic communications, such as email and instant messaging.
By mobile phone, including voice calls, text or picture messages and video.

Your organisation's acceptable use of IT policy should cover how to deal with these issues. Although the tools used by bullies may be new, the procedures for taking action if you have any concerns are the same as for any other safeguarding issue.

Download the documents opposite for more information on e-safety and cyber bullying, and for an example acceptable use of IT policy.

Cyberbullying - Guidance
Guidance from the Anti-Bullying Alliance on how Learning and Skills sector organisations can put the right policies and procedures in place.
Cyberbullying - Guidance for tutors
Guidance from the Anti-Bullying Alliance to help you understand cyber bullying, know how to deal with it, and know your responsibilities.
Anti-bullying guided tutorial
Guidance from the Anti-Bullying Alliance for a tutorial with learners.
Becta e-safety strategy toolkit
Harnessing technology, safeguarding further education and skills learners in a digital world.
Example acceptable use of IT policy
An example of an acceptable use of IT policy document from The Northampton College.

Click on a heading below for links to source of support

Support Me

The following links highlight sources of support for you if you are personally affected by any of the issues raised in this course. Select a link to open it in a new window.

Samaritans A confidential telephone or email listening service if you need to talk about your own experiences.

SupportLine Offers confidential emotional support by telephone, email and post, working to help develop healthy and positive coping strategies. They also keep details of counsellors, agencies and support groups throughout the UK.

Help for Adult Victims of Child Abuse (HAVOCA) Provides support, friendship and advice for any adult whose life has been affected by childhood abuse.

Support for Learners

The following links highlight sources of support for learners or anyone else you know who may be personally affected by any of the issues raised in this course. Select a link to open it in a new window.

ChildLine Offers support, advice and guidance for anyone up to the age of 18 on a variety of topics, including abuse.

Respond A national, free service for children, young people, adults and elders with learning difficulties.

TheSite Young adult oriented searchable website offering support, advice and guidance on a wide range of topics, including abuse.

Information, Advice and Guidance

The following links highlight sources of further information, advice and guidance around the issues raised in this course. Select a link to open it in a new window.

Ann Craft Trust An organisation focused on safeguarding people with learning disabilities.

Department of Health The Department of Health website contains useful information about safeguarding adults.

Introduction and Context