cyber attacks: beating the bullies

​It’s come out from an OECD report into cyber related bullying that out of all the highly developed countries investigated, England has the highest rate of cyber bullying and social media misuse in its schools. Which is a pretty nasty stat.
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The study looked at ‘the experiences of more than 250,000 teachers in 48 industrialised countries and regions’ and found a serious problem with the UK.

According to a BBC News report, the study “indicated an increase in bullying in England's schools - driven by online bullying and harassment and problems caused by social media.

Of the heads in England surveyed:

• 14% faced problems each week caused by "hurtful" material posted about pupils, compared with an international average of 2%, with the United States having the next highest proportion - 10%
• 27% faced problems each week caused by pupils receiving "unwanted contact" online - in the form of cyber-bullying, compared with an international average of 3%, with Australia having the next highest proportion - 16%” 

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That’s over a quarter of young people receiving upsetting, abusive messages and content over socials. Which paints a pretty worrying picture of what school can be like.

Sure, there are loads of benefits to the wonders of modern tech, and social media can be a powerful, incredible tool for connecting people and sharing great content. But when it’s being used by the wrong people in the wrong way, it’s no longer fun.

If you or someone you know has received abuse over social media, know that there are people on hand to help – people who will listen without judgement, and who are experienced in helping people in similar situations. Don’t let anyone go through it alone.
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Think…

• Bullying UK
• National Bullying Helpline
• Childline
• NSPCC​
• Cybersmile

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Author

LUCY HARDING is the Editorial manager for Push. She is an English Literature grad and an MA Publishing student at UCL. She is passionate about international relations and cultural diversity, having worked closely with her university’s Erasmus society to support European students. She also spent a year abroad studying at California State University: Long Beach