Cyberbullying

Action Plan to tackle Cyberbullying

The Duke of Cambridge has recently launched a national, youth-led, code of conduct for the internet. The code called ‘Stop, Speak, Support’ aims to reach every 11-16 year old in Britain, to empower them to stop cyberbullying, by speaking out and seeking support. 

The Royal Taskforce

The Taskforce launched in May 2016 to develop an industry-wide response to the online bullying of young people.

 About the Stop, Speak, Support campaign

 As part of The Royal Foundation’s Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying, a panel of young people have developed a campaign to encourage other young people to take three simple steps when you see bullying online.

The Stop, Speak, Support campaign has been created in response to 11-16 year olds saying that while they enjoy social media, games and online forums, that it is the only area of their lives that they feel does not have clear expectations or standards of behaviour they should all adhere to.

The Stop, Speak, Support steps were created in partnership with a panel of young people through a series of focus groups and workshops.

 Stop, Speak, Support Code

 Stop, Speak, Support aims to help young people spot cyberbullying and know what steps they can take to stop it happening and provide support to the person being bullied. The code encourages young people to:

STOP

• Action 1: Take time out before getting involved, and don’t share or like negative
  comments.
• Action 2: Try and get an overview of what’s really going on.
• Action 3: Check the community guidelines for the site you’re on.

 SPEAK

• Action 1: Ask an adult or friend that you can trust for advice.
• Action 2: Use the report button for the social media it’s happening on.
• Action 3: Speak to one of the charities set up to help with situations like this, such as Childline.

 SUPPORT

• Action 1: Give the person being bullied a supportive message to let them know they’re not alone.
• Action 2: Encourage the person being bullied to talk to someone they can trust.
• Action 3: Give the person being bullied a positive distraction from the situation.

Advice is also available for parents: https://www.stopspeaksupport.com/parents/

BBC Newsround have covered the story here:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/42008249