We will be starting lessons on a new initiative for E Safety very soon. We will share additional information as it comes out.

The Stop, Speak Support Code

The young people on the Taskforce said they had rules and guides for every part of their life – but not online. This is the ‘green cross code’ for the web

STOP

Action 1: Take time out before getting involved, and don’t share or like negative
comments.
Action 2: Try and get an overview of what’s really going on.
Action 3: Check the community guidelines for the site you’re on.

SPEAK

Action 1: Ask an adult or friend that you can trust for advice.
Action 2: Use the report button for the social media it’s happening on.
Action 3: Speak to one of the charities set up to help with situations like this, such as Childline.

SUPPORT

Action 1: Give the person being bullied a supportive message to let them know they’re not alone.

Action 2: Encourage the person being bullied to talk to someone they can trust.

Action 3: Give the person being bullied a positive distraction from the situation.

Advice For Parents

Carolyn Bunting, general manager of taskforce partner Internet Matters offered some advice for parents worried about cyberbullying.

“Children are born into a digital world; they are learning, communicating and growing up online,” she said.

“But the online world can pose certain risks, such as cyberbullying.

“Parents need to ensure they’ve had early conversations with their children about the importance of staying safe online and help build their digital resilience.”

● Talk About It: If your child is using social media or communicating online, don’t wait until they experience cyberbullying to talk to them.

● Beware What They Share: Discuss with your child what they should be sharing online and how it could invite bullies.

● Learn about it: Find out about the apps, social networks and online games they are using and what they are able to share through them.

● Take Control: Set safety filters on their devices and ensure privacy and settings are at the highest level on social media.

● Take It Seriously: Check in with your child regularly and look out for signs of cyberbullying. Remember that children can be targeted by cyberbullies at anytime and online bullies can be anonymous.

● Block and Report: Teach your child what to do if they want to prevent or report abusive messages, including keeping the evidence with screengrabs.