Welsh Government
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Minister underlines commitment to tackle cyber-bullying in all its forms

Education Minister, Leighton Andrews, has outlined the Welsh Government’s approach to tackling cyber-bullying at a conference held by The Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Cardiff.

In 2009, the results of the bullying survey commissioned by the Welsh Government showed cyber-bullying to be one of the most prevalent forms of bullying amongst children and young people in Wales.  

In response to these findings and the growing challenges faced by schools in tackling cyber-bullying, the Welsh Government published comprehensive new guidance, Respecting Others, last year, and organised a number of events across Wales for teachers and other education professionals.

Ahead of Anti-bullying Week in Wales, which will run from 19th-23rd November, the Minister called on all schools to firmly embed their anti-bullying policies and explained how the Welsh Government would support them in this work.

The Minister said:

“Technology can play a positive, productive and creative part in young people’s lives and most will use technologies responsibly.

“Unfortunately, there are a number of young people who do not, and choose to use them as a means to cyber-bully others, for whatever reason.

“Schools have a key part to play in preventing and responding to cyber-bullying through their anti-bullying policies, but unlike some other forms of bullying, cyber-bullying can be especially difficult for schools to monitor.

“The Welsh Government, through its school-based counselling strategy and anti-bullying guidance, is helping to raise awareness of cyber-bullying whilst also ensuring that  proper support mechanisms are in place to support those who have been affected.

“It is imperative that we continue to train and educate not just children and young people, but practitioners too, and keep up to date with new technologies and how young people use them.  

“I am confident that with the appropriate mechanisms, support and guidance in place, we will make progress in reducing cyber-bullying over the next few years. "

 


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