Cyberbullying and E-safety

Concern about cyberbullying has risen dramatically over recent years, directly in line with access to the technology to engage in it. In 2011, calls to Family Lives’ Parentline relating to cyberbullying had risen by 77 per cent in a year.

Along with this increase in both incidence and concern there has been a strong sense of uncertainty about what to do about cyberbullying. In this book, anti-bullying adviser Adrienne Katz uses a solid background of research and practical experience to show education professionals how to promote e-safety largely through educating young people on preventative strategies.

Primarily a reference text for schools, the book focuses on simple-to-implement practical strategies and easily replicable tools. It functions well as a guide to turn to when preparing e-safety activities for students, for advice on policy drafting and when dealing with cyber-bullying scenarios.

As Katz puts it, the smartphone – now in the clutches of most young people – was the impetus for the book. Youngsters can’t be and shouldn’t be protected from the reaches of technology today; the key instead is equipping them with the necessary know-how to avert cyberspace risks. In an engaging style Katz establishes good basic principles for doing so. 

Reviewed by Anastasia de Waal, deputy director and director of family and education, Civitas