There are many ways to minimise the risk of online bullying, some which can be achieved by using simple common sense and others by introducing polices into your school.

Awareness of general e-safety practices can help to reduce the risk of online bullying, and generally ensure that children remain safe when using any new technology.

Keep personal information private

Personal information should be kept private at all times. This includes details such as name, address, photos of yourself and your friends, email addresses, home and mobile phone numbers, school name, membership of clubs, information on family and friends, and passwords. If bullies don’t have access to this information, the less likely they are to be able to abuse it.

Don’t believe everything you read

Just because someone online tells you that they are 15 doesn’t mean they are telling the truth. Even adults can’t tell when a male pretends to be a female or a 50 year old pretends to be a 15 year old.

Use netiquette

Be polite to others online as you would offline. If someone treats you rudely, or is mean, you should not respond. Chances are that the bully will see that they are having no effect, and stop the abusive messages. If not, and the abusive messages continue, seek help from a teacher, parent or carer.

Never send messages when angry

Wait until you have calmed down and had time to think. Do your best to make sure that your messages are calmly and factually written. You will usually regret sending an angry message, sometimes known as a flame or flaming, to someone later on. Once you’ve sent a message in anger, it’s extremely difficult to undo the damage that can be done.

Never open a message from someone you don’t know

Delete strange emails or text messages from people you don’t know. If in doubt, seek advice from a teacher, parent or carer.

If it doesn’t look or feel right, it probably isn’t

Trust your instincts. If you ever see anything on the internet, or receive an email or text message that makes you feel uncomfortable, switch off the computer or phone and seek advice from a teacher, parent or carer.

You don’t have to be ‘always on’ – turn off, disconnect, unplug

Give yourself a break. Don’t stay online for too long. Spend time with your families and friends offline.

Don’t reply to messages from online bullies

Even though you may really want to, this is exactly what online bullies want. They want to know that they’ve got you worried and upset. Don’t give them that pleasure.

Protect yourself

Never arrange to meet someone you have met online.

Don’t keep bullying to yourself

You are not alone! Tell an adult you know and trust. They can help you combat the online bullying.