Rationale
It is vital that children learn how to be safe when using new technologies of the computer and mobile phone. There needs to be a focus on empowering children by equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to use technology safely and responsibly, and managing the risks, wherever and whenever they go online.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the school’s Anti-Bullying Policy

Aims

• To safeguard children within the duty of care.
• To promote safe and responsible behaviours in using technology both in school and in the home and beyond.
• To outline how misuse will be dealt with

Definition of cyberbullying:
The use of phones or the internet to deliberately upset someone else.

A cyberbully is an adult or child who:

• Deliberately sends hurtful information.
• Passes a hurtful message/image on to someone else.
• Sends a hurtful message thinking it is only a joke.

Investigation of alleged cyberbullying:
Children will be encouraged to do the following if they receive a nasty message:

• Save it.
• Not to reply.
• Block future messages.
• Show it to their parents or a member of staff.

The parent will be encouraged to report it to a member of staff at school. The member of staff will ensure that the child’s class teacher is aware of the investigation. The class teacher will investigate the allegation with the perpetrator and receipient and report to the Deputy Head or Head teacher.

Action:
The Deputy or Head will write to the perpetrator’s parents and report the nature of the cyberbullying.

• A first incidence of cyberbullying will warrant a warning by letter.
• Any further incidences will warrant a red alert and parents called in
• Serious and/or persisent cyberbullying may result in a fixed term exclusion and the involvement of the Police.