DfE publishes advice for teachers on protecting themselves from cyberbullying

The Department for Education has published non-statutory advice for head teachers and all school staff on how to protect themselves from cyberbullying.

The publication follows research that found around one in five teachers had reported having derogatory comments posted about them on social media sites. The comments were made by parents as well as children.

The advice, which can be viewed here, covers: an overview; key advice for school staff; what staff should do if they are bullied online; the approach schools should take; reporting; acceptable use policies; useful resources; getting offensive content taken down; contact details for social networking sites and mobile phone operators.

Amongst other things, the key advice for school staff:

• warns teachers of the risks of being identified online;
• suggests they should all search for their own names to scan for any negative comments;
• advises against accepting friend requests from current or former pupils;
• suggests teachers should be wary of being tagged in inappropriate photographs or videos on social media;
• tells them not to give out personal contact details or mix school and personal email addresses.

The DfE said the advice sent “a clear message that school staff deserve protection from online bullying in the same way that their pupils do”.

Education Secretary Nicky Morgan said: “We all know the dangers children face from online bullies, but we sometimes forget that teachers are not immune from abuse which impacts on them professionally and personally.

“It’s vital that all our teachers feel able to do their jobs properly, including being able to take a firm stance on poor behaviour. To do that they need to know their school will take action against reprisals in the form of online harassment and abuse.”

Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: “The NUT welcomes this publication and its commitment to help schools tackle cyberbullying. Addressing cyberbullying ‎in an appropriate environment will be beneficial for staff and students.”

Brian Lightman, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, added: “Whilst new technologies and wide access to the internet bring exciting educational opportunities, cyberbullying can have a pernicious impact. ASCL welcomes this useful guidance document which will help schools and colleges in their efforts to do everything they can to protect their staff.”

The publication was issued as part of Anti-Bullying Week 2014.