Kirklees Council bid to beat the electronic bullies

Nov 9 2009 by Joanne Douglas, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

YOUNG people have asked Kirklees Council to look at ways of cutting electronic bullying.

It comes as statistics show that of 819 teenagers questioned in Huddersfield almost half – 48.6% – said they had been bullied last year.

And although the children in school years 6, 8 and 10 said there had been few reported incidents of bullying via text message and social networking sites, a panel of young people want procedures to be put in place now.

The idea is one within the Anti-Bullying Strategy presented last week to the Children and Young People’s Service and Youth Council, which is made up of 32 young people from schools throughout Kirklees.

Its main aim is to reduce incidents of all types of bullying and harassment and to ensure children and young people receive support if they do become victims.

Clr Ken Smith, cabinet member for children and families, said: “One interesting fact which we need to take into consideration regards technology and different ways of bullying via electronic means.

“It’s something which has been put forward for us to work on before it gets out of hand.

“There are ways we can stop bullying by text message and other electronic means.

“This idea has been discussed with the Youth Council and developed with them so I hope they are pleased with the report.