Tue 7th February, 2012
Researchers at the University of Bedfordshire have called for improved awareness into what cyber-bullying is and its impact on victims to mark Safer Internet Day today (Tuesday, 7 Feb).
The National Centre for Cyberstalking Research (NCCR) at the University argues that children need to be taught to recognise cyber-harassment and learn how to use electronic communication responsibly.
The call coincides with the launch of a report in Stalking Law Reform by Napo (the Probation and Family Court Trade Union) and Protection Against Stalking (PAS) to which the NCCR gave evidence.
Co-Director of the NCCR, Professor Carsten Maple, said: “The internet is still a new communication medium and everyone needs to learn how to use it properly, especially children - they don’t always know what is inappropriate. We need to train them so they recognise when they are causing harm or when they have gone too far.
“And it’s not just children who need to be aware of their actions. Stalking is clearly unacceptable but people do struggle to differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour online. It’s difficult to know what the ’rules’ are in the digital age.”
Professor Maple has also called for a change in the law to appropriately punish those who use the internet for harassment as the effect on the victims can be substantial.
The NCCR continues to monitor reports of cyber-bullying. For more information visit www.beds.ac.uk/nccr
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