Broaching the issue: children

In the UK, the organisation Childnet has produced a series of five videos to introduce different aspects of internet safety to 7- to 11-year-olds. You’re going to watch one of them, which focuses on cyberbullying. As you watch, consider if you could use this with your primary learners or even your own children.

The Adventure of Kara, Winston, & the Smart Crew.

Let’s see what’s happening now on The Explorer. On this bright, sunny morning, after an evening of games, fish and chips, and a good night’s sleep, Kara and crew are back on the treasure trail. Down on deck having finished her jobs, Kara’s at the iNav logging on to her favourite social networking site. Looking at the profile page, she sees a picture with her name has been posted. Could be fun. She clicks it, and an image fills the screen– Kara tied to the mast with a big, ugly shark drawn in chomping her feet. What kind of friend would do such a mean thing? Then a message appears. Hey, stupid. Everyone thinks you’re the worst sailor on the sea.

Kara feels so upset, she could cry. The ship’s mobile lights up– it’s an incoming message, so she opens the inbox. Say, didn’t you hear me, Scrawny sailor slug, says the message. Kara drops the phone in shock. Cookie notices and gasps when he sees the picture. Who would do that to you? Kara looks down tearfully and shrugs. I don’t know. Don’t feel bad, Kara. You’re not on your own, says Cookie. I bet our smart crew friends will be able to help. Kara, I can’t believe they did that to you. Cyberbullying is so unkind. It’s really upsetting when someone’s nasty to yo online. At our school, a photo was being sent around with loads of mean comments.

When the teachers found out, they talked to us about what was going on. Yeah, the bullies apologised and deleted the photo, but lots of people were upset by it. If it happens to you, you can save the evidence by taking screenshots and keeping any messages. It’s really important that you don’t reply or be rude back. Telling an adult straightway can help to make things better. Kara’s relieved that the smart crew know all about nasty cyberbullies, and how telling someone is always the best way to deal with them. I know just the person to tell, says Cookie, keying in a number on the mobile. Kara smiles. It feels good knowing someone can help. Admiral, it’s Cookie of The Explorer.

Someone’s been bullying Kara. I’m sending everything to you now. The scoundrel’s done this before, says the Admiral. He’s gone overboard, but we’re hot on his trail. I’ve reported him to the website and his access has been blocked. He’ll be walking the plank if he’s not sorry. Kara grins and gives Cookie a big hug. She’s back on fighting form. Remember, you never have to suffer in silence when you feel uncomfortable. So T is for tell. Let a parent, a carer, or a trusted adult know if you see something online that makes you feel uncomfortable. Also, tell them if someone you know is being bullied online.