Internet Matters Launches New Anti-Cyberbullying Campaign
New campaign aimed at parents enlists Dr. Linda Papadopoulos to highlight the impact of bullying carried out via digital means
- by Teachwire
Online safety organisation Internet Matters has launched a new campaign highlighting the damaging effects of cyberbullying, accompanied by a video fronted by the psychologist Dr. Linda Papadopoulos.
The video forms part of a range of information, guidance and resources for parents developed in partnership with the Anti-Bullying Alliance, which can now be found at the Internet Matters website. The materials include advice on how to protect children from cyberbullying and the signs to watch out for, as well as details of online tools that can be used to help manage the potential risks.
Alongside the launch, Internet Matters shared the results of a survey conducted among 1500 parents. 9% reported that their children had previously been involved in a cyberbullying incident, while 62% stated that they were ‘concerned’ about the issue. Despite that, however, nearly a third (32%) were yet to raise the issue of cyberbullying with their children and talk to them about it.
According Dr. Papadopoulos, ‘Bullying is not confined to the school playground any more. The digital age means it can follow you home and can be just as hurtful as physical bullying.
‘Sometimes children don’t want to talk about what is happening to them online. They may feel helpless or worry their parents will take away their phones or ban them from using tech. It’s vital that parents learn how to pick up the signs, especially at this time of the year when there is a rise in the number of people seeking information about the issue.’
Internet Matters is further partnering with the Anti-Bullying Alliance to deliver this year’s Anti-Bullying Week, which runs in England from 14th-18th November.
For more information, visit www.internetmatters.org or follow @IM_org.
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