A fact sheet for educators on cyberbullying was launched this morning by the Be Smart Online campaign together with the Malta Union of Teachers.

The fact sheet, one of a series of "tip sheets" the campaign has been publishing as part of a project aimed to create awareness on the safe use of new technology, explains what is cyber bullying, its effects, what teachers could do to help victims, how educators could protect themselves and what to do if they become victims.

MUT President Kevin Bonello said the union received one to two reports of cyberbullying on educators each month. There were also other cases it was not informed about and which were dealt with directly by the school.

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

The agency Appogg agreed that cyberbullying was a problem and said that although it was more prevalent at certain times, there were instances when it received up to four reports of cyberbulling on students in a week.

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

She said that a seminar for 11 to 12-year-olds was being held on November 18 and 19 to mark the 25th anniversary of UN convention on the rights of child.

Participants would be taught about maintaining balance between life online and offline.

On November 21 and 22, a conference for educators and parents on the positive use of the internet is also being held. Parents may take children aged nine to 15 with them for the conference.