Parents invited to cyber bullying workshops as part of Wirral’s Anti-bullying week

Nov 11 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

PARENTS are to be taught how to protect their children from cyber bullying next week.

Wirral Council is holding free workshops at schools and children’s centres as part of Anti-Bullying Week, which runs from November 16 to 20.

The theme of this year’s event is Stay Safe in Cyberspace.

Government research found that more than a third of 12 to 15 year-olds have faced some form of cyberbullying – defined as the use of mobile phones and the internet to deliberately upset someone else.

Parents will be shown how to create a profile on social networking sites and how to monitor what young people are going.

They will also be given practical advice and ideas on how to discuss the issues raised with their children. All workshops are free.

Kayte Eaton, co-ordinator of anti-bullying organisation Bullybusters, which is working in partnership with the council, said: “We want to encourage parents to come along, even if they’ve never used a computer or a social networking site before.

“They’ll get hands-on advice on how their children use the sites and how to put filters in place.

“Cyberbullying doesn’t happen in schools – it happens out of school.

“It can start as little issues that go on in school which then lead to people being talked about on sites like Facebook.

“Parents sometimes say ‘my child doesn’t go online’ and it’s about informing them that their child might not have internet access on a computer, but they can easily go online using their phone.

“Another part of the workshops will be how to approach your child and speak to them about what’s happening online.”

Councillor Phil Davies, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “Unfortunately, some people just don’t take cyberbullying as seriously as other forms of bullying – maybe because it is indirect and often perceived as anonymous.

“It can, however, cause immeasurable harm; children and young people tell us that it is all the more damaging because it feels inescapable.”

The Bullybusters’ freephone helpline is 0800 169 6928.

Anyone worried about bullying should also visit the website, www.bullybusters.org.uk