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Mobile phone bullying
 
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THREE QUARTERS OF TEACHERS ARE WORRIED ABOUT MOBILE PHONE BULLYING

  Nearly three quarters of teachers (74.4%) throughout the UK are worried that their pupils could become victims of mobile phone bullying reveals research by leading children's charity NCH and Tesco Mobile released today (November 22). 

Worryingly, parents are still unsure about the issue with nearly one in five parents (19%) thinking bullying by mobile phone is not common or never happens.  This is despite research for NCH and Tesco Mobile which found that one in five young people have been bullied or threatened by mobile phone or computer. 1

The second stage of NCH and Tesco Mobile's Putting U in the picture campaign is focusing on adults' understanding of the issue.  Teachers parents and carers play an integral part in young people's lives and while teachers are concerned about mobile phone bullying, parents are unsure what is happening.  Research has found more than half of the parents surveyed (56%) are not worried their child could be bullied or threatened by a mobile phone or are not sure how serious the issue is. 

Top 20 teenage pop group Love Bites is supporting the campaign. The group is aged between 15 and 18 and have personal experiences of mobile phone and other types of bullying.  They are available for photos and interviews at Mount Carmel School in Islington, London , N19 on Tuesday November 22 from 2.00pm .  They will further support the campaign by performing to students from 2.30pm .

The research also reveals that:

  • 51% of teachers know at least one of their pupils has been bullied or threatened by mobile phone.  Over two thirds of these (67%) were primary school teachers of children aged eleven and under

  • 73.2% of parents whose children had a mobile phone said their child had received it when they were aged between 8 and 13

  • Over one third of parents (36.5%) are not worried their child could be bullied or threatened by mobile phone

  • Nearly three quarters of teachers (74%) thought it was either common or very common for children to receive bullying or threatening messages via mobile phone text messaging

  • Nearly 80% of teachers had been approached by a pupil or parent worried about bullying

NCH's New Technology Adviser John Carr says: "Technology is great for young people in so many ways but it also carries risks, with one in five young people who have been affected by mobile phone or online bullying."

  Through a range of initiatives NCH helps tackle bullying.  We need to ensure all teachers, youth workers, parents, carers and any other interested parties understand just how bullying works in the online environment. Mobile phone companies need to follow our lead and act responsibly to ensure the best possible technological solutions are in place to protect our young people from harm. "

NCH and Tesco Mobile's Putting U in the picture campaign is:

  • calling on all schools to ensure their anti-bullying policies include bullying via mobile phone or computer. 

  • sending information packs to secondary schools across the UK , encouraging teachers to address the issue with students and their parents.  The information packs include: an interactive classroom quiz; top 10 tips; a poster and more.  The pack can be downloaded from www.stoptextbully.com

Tesco Mobile Chief Executive Officer Andy Dewhurst commented:  "This latest research shows that teachers are very concerned about the growing problem of mobile bullying.  This is why Tesco Mobile and NCH wanted to provide them with a practical solution for addressing this issue within the school environment."

"Mobile phones are hugely important to young people today and can be really beneficial from both a social and safety point of view.  However, with all new technologies comes some problems and we are working closely with NCH to make sure that those responsible for young people understand this issue and know how they can help those who are affected."

Dr Mary Bousted, General Secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) said:  "The Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) abhors bullying in any shape or form, and supports the campaign to combat the psychological bullying associated with mobile phones, including text bullying and "happy slapping"."

"Highly effective anti-bullying practice already exists in a large number of schools, and the recent Steer Report recommendation 'that schools have a clear policy on the possession and use of mobile phones on the school site' must be implemented to ensure both pupils and teachers are supported and protected."

Notes

1. A photocall and interview opportunity with pop group Love Bites will be held on Tuesday 22nd Nov at 2.00pm at Mount Carmel School , Holland Walk, Duncombe Road , Archway, London , N19 3EU .  They will perform to students from 2.30pm .

2. 379 teachers and 304 parents completed the online survey for Computers for Schools between April and July, 2005.

3. During the first phase of the campaign, NCH and Tesco Mobile:

  • set up a text-back service for victims to know where to go for more help and advice

4. NCH is a member of the Anti Bullying Alliance (ABA) an independent body of 65 organisations. For more information visit www.antibullyingalliance.org

5. A total of 770 11 to 19 year olds were quizzed between March 3 and April 6, 2005 . The survey was carried out for NCH and Tesco by BMRB. 

(23/11/05)

 

 

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