Don't be a Bully

With the launch of an awareness campaign, online bullying is in the news. Like any form of bullying, this will not be, and can never be, tolerated. Although we staff read our students blogs and highlight problems, please do contact us if you feel that someone's comments or posts hurt you.

As a blogger, don't feel that you have to explain yourself to anyone who's abusive or libellous comments that have been left on your blog. Tell your tutor, who can collect evidence, before deleting the comment. All our computers have IP addresses, and access logs kept. Nothing is anonymous.

Mick Brookes, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), said:

"Sadly, bullying is a negative feature of any society and will only be countered by strong action against bullies and a bullying culture.
"We would encourage all partners in the world of education to play a part in stamping out wanton actions that negatively affect the lives of others.
"Many schools harness the student voice, through student councils and other means, to counter bullying in the most effective way, because students are closer to the lives of their peers."

Cyberbullying - laugh at it, and you're part of it.

If you encounter any other forms of cyberbullying, especially those that use racism, religious hate, homophobia or threats of actual violence, tell your parents, a teacher or – if you think that the content is illegal – the police.

Additional links:
Are you a bully? Are you being bullied?
BBC: Fight cyber bullies, schools told
BBC: Cyber bullying - don't blame the web