Cyberbullying and the steps you can take to stay safe online are the focus of this year's anti-bullying week, which runs between Monday 16 and Friday 20 November.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is the use of new technology - particularly computers, mobile phones and the internet - to deliberately upset someone else.

Most of the time these technologies help to bring young people together, supporting social activities and allowing them to stay connected with their friends.

Such technologies can however be used to cause harm, allowing bullies to target people anywhere and at any time. Victims of cyberbullying can feel alone and misunderstood while the bullies can hide behind the technology and remain anonymous.

In a survey carried out for the Anti-Bullying Alliance, 22 per cent of young people reported being the subject of cyberbullying.

Top tips to stay safe

• Never retaliate or reply to a nasty message. Block the bully and report it to an adult you trust
• Keep evidence of cyberbullying - save any abusive messages you receive
• On social networking sites, make sure you are only 'friends' with people you know in real life and can trust
• Always think about the information and pictures you post online, what effect could it have on others

Report cyberbullying

Make sure you tell

• an adult you trust, or call a helpline like Childline on 0800 11 11 in confidence
• the provider of the service - most will have details on their websites of who to contact
• your school - your teacher or the anti-bullying coordinator can help you

Find out more

• Staying safe online
• Advice for young people
• Childline website
• ThinkUKnow website

Posted on: 3 November 2009