Campaign against cyberbullies

CHILDREN in Warrington are being encouraged to tell someone if they are victims of cyberbullying – as part of a town wide campaign.
During Anti-bullying Week (November 16 to 22) Warrington schools are supporting the campaign to tackle cyberbullying.
It is increasingly being recognised as a dangerous form of bullying – as technology is used to get to the victim, wherever he or she is, through sms, text messaging, email and online.
But parents are being advised that removing children’s access to phones and computers is not the answer, as this could isolate them from support they could access.
Children are being encouraged to tell someone if they are being bullied, not only via technology but in any other way.
Anti-bullying activities are taking place across Warrington and a leaflet for parents will be launched.
A conference will be held for professionals who work with children and young people to discuss policies and support, to tackle bullying and help victims.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, (pictured) the borough council’s executive member for children and young people, said: “‘The advances in new technology have made a big change to our way of life, but not all changes are good. We need to recognise that cyberbullying is becoming a serious problem for some of our young people, and we need to respond accordingly.
“What is clear is that our children must always feel that they can talk to someone about their problems, be it bullying or anything else, and that they will be taken seriously and are offered the right help and support that they need.”