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British Schools Crack Down on 'Cyberbullying'

Teachers want mobile phones considered 'offensive weapons'

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 23, 2007 10:42 AM CDT

(Newser) – England's education chief wants schools to put their digital foot down when it comes to “cyberbullying.” The schools should confiscate mobile phones when necessary and pull down hurtful material from websites, the BBC reports. The schools chief called cyberbullying a particularly “insidious” form of abuse because it follows students home.

In devising its new policies, schools talked with tech companies such as Bebo, Myspace, and YouTube. They warned that bystanders could perpetuate bullying just by passing on videos and messages. Students aren’t the only victims. Teachers say distorted images taken on phone cameras can “destroy teacher confidence.” They want cell phones categorized as “offensive weapons” and banned from schools.

(Associated Press)

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

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education • England • cyberbullying

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Americans Flunk History

One-quarter of Americans don't know who got the short end of Revolution

In Classroom, Twitter Trumps the Queen

Proposed UK curriculum focuses on learning skills, flexibility

Bullying Cases Spike in Japan

Six students commit suicide, 125K cases reported despite government plan

'Don't Say Gay' Bill Advances in Tennessee

Bill bans teachers from discussing homosexuality before High School

British Cop Chases Suspect: Himself

Security camera confusion leads to hilarious pursuit

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Newser By Users

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