Walsall residents learn how to beat the cyberbullies

Walsall Teaching Primary Care Trust (Walsall tPCT) and Walsall Council are joining forces in the fight against cyber bullying.  Electric Palace, Walsall Council Library Services and Walsall tPCT Public Health department are holding drop in sessions where adults and children can learn about cyber bullying and how to prevent it. The sessions will take place on the 2 December 10am – 12pm at Brownhills library and 2pm - 4pm at Darlaston Library.

Susan Laverty, Consultant of Public Health Medicine, said: “Cyber bullying is becoming a real problem locally. Two schools have alerted us to the problems with youngsters using msn and websites to intimidate and humiliate other children. This is a problem across the UK. The extent of the problem and how it can affect young people's mental wellbeing is alarming. The drop in sessions will help parents understand how texting, msn and websites are used to bully and ways of helping their children use the technology safely.”

Dorne Wheatly, Senior Teacher Assistant Key Stage Three Manager said: “Children are just as likely to be bullied by phone or via msn these days. The most worrying thing is that this type of bullying can follow the children home. It is much more difficult to stop. Our assemblies this week have focused on cyberbullying. Parents also need to be aware of the problem and given advice on how to help their children protect themselves. The drop in sessions are just what is needed.”

The drop in sessions will teach parents and children a basic understanding of how to use mobile phones, msn and how to access websites safely. They will be shown how to use and view e-mails, what to do with unsolicited and offensive e-mails and how to put locks onto their home computers to block access to inappropriate websites. The teachers also aim to update parents and children on the latest jargon such as ‘happy slapping’ and ‘flaming’ so they are aware of terms which are being used to bully youngsters.