The teachers’ union yesterday called for clearer legislation on the growing phenomenon of cyber bullying.

“For years, we have been calling for an awareness campaign on cyber bullying and appropriate legislation,” MUT president Kevin Bonello said at the launch of an information sheet on cyber bullying that will be given to educators.

This note is one in a series published by the Be Smart Online campaign launched in 2010 to create awareness on the safe use of new technologies.

The project, by the Malta Communications Authority, Aġenzija Appoġġ and the Office of the Commissioner for Children, also provides helpline 179 and the e-mail address appogg@gov.mt where abuse may be reported.

Mr Bonello said the union received one to two reports of cyber bullying on educators each month. There were also other cases where the union was not informed and which were dealt with directly by the school.

He said the existing legislation was not focused on cyber bullying and clear, empowering legislation was required since this was a growing phenomenon. Technology, he said, was constantly creating new forms of bullying.

There where instances when Aġenzija Appoġġ received up to four reports of cyber bullying of students in a week, particularly in connection with popular social websites like Ask.fm.

The sheet launched yesterday explains what cyber bullying is, its effects, how to help students who fall victim to this harassment and what educators can do to protect themselves.

Children’s Commissioner Helen D’Amato said several countries, including Germany, Slovakia and Finland, wanted to translate the Be Smart Online sheets into their own language.

The commissioner called on educators to maintain boundaries online, just as they would in their everyday life, urging against adding students to their social media friends’ list.

Meanwhile, a seminar for 11 to 12-year-olds will be held on November 18 and 19 to mark the 25th anniversary of UN convention on children rights.

Students will be taught how to maintain balance between online and offline life, including a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

On November 21 and 22, a conference will be held for educators and parents on the positive use of the internet and this will also be open to children aged between nine and 15.

More information is available on http://embed.skola.edu and www.besmartonline.org.mt.

Stay safe

Teachers should:
• Keep personal information including phone number and e-mail address private,
• Avoid adding students or their parents as friends on social networking sites.
• Keep themselves updated about privacy settings.