Keeping Children Safe - Support and Resources to accompany the seminar given by Tsion Messele in the Wellspring Parenting Workshop - Saturday 31st May 2025.
Featuring "The Challenges and Triumphs of Parenting"
Summary
Bible Verses relevant to Cyberbullying
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Proverbs 12:18
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Matthew 7:12
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Psalm 34:13
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Romans 12:17-18
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Proverbs 31:8-9
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
Legal Framework
While the UK doesn't have a specific law titled "cyberbullying," several existing laws address behaviors associated with it:
Protection from Harassment Act 1997: Addresses repeated behavior causing alarm or distress.
Malicious Communications Act 1988: Makes it an offense to send electronic communications intended to cause distress or anxiety.
Communications Act 2003 (Section 127): Prohibits sending grossly offensive, indecent, obscene, or menacing messages over public electronic communications networks.
Defamation Act 2013: Provides remedies for false statements that harm someone's reputation.
In 2023, the UK enacted the Online Safety Act, enhancing protections against online harms, including cyberbullying. This legislation mandates online platforms to swiftly remove illegal content, such as threats and harassment, and imposes substantial fines for non-compliance .
🛡️ Support and Resources
Childline: Provides free, confidential support for children and young people. Available 24/7 at 0800 1111 or through online chat
Childline
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Victim Support
anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
Childline
Kidscape: Offers advice and workshops for children and parents dealing with bullying. Contact their Parent Advice Line at 0300 102 4481 or WhatsApp 07496 682785 .
Childnet
anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
kidscape.org.uk
Anti-Bullying Alliance: Provides information on bullying and the law, as well as resources for those affected .
anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
The Mix: Supports individuals under 25 with issues including cyberbullying. Reach them at 0808 808 4994 .
Victim Support
National Bullying Helpline: Offers guidance on dealing with cyberbullying and legal advice.
🏫 School Responsibilities
In England and Wales, state schools are legally required to have behavior policies that address all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying. These policies must be communicated to all staff, pupils, and parents .
NSPCC Learning
Schools have the authority to discipline students for bullying incidents that occur off-premises, such as online activities, if they affect the well-being of other students.
🧠 Prevention and Awareness
Preventing cyberbullying involves education and proactive measures:
Education: Teaching children about respectful online behavior and the consequences of cyberbullying.
Parental Involvement: Encouraging open communication between parents and children about online experiences.
Reporting Tools: Utilizing platform-specific tools to report and block abusive content or users.
Privacy Settings: Adjusting social media settings to control who can view and interact with one's content.
📅 Upcoming Awareness Events
Stop Cyberbullying Day is observed annually on the third Friday of June. The next event will take place on June 20, 2025, aiming to promote a safer and more inclusive online environment .