South Wales Police has been visiting schools in the Rhondda highlighting the issues of cyber-bullying and how to stay safe on-line.
Around 200 pupils aged 10 to 18 in Ystrad and Llwynpia received the lesson from local Police Community Support Officer Cherylin Pryor.
Pcso Pryor said: “Almost all children in this age group have access to the internet or a mobile phone so it is important that we highlight the issue, give advice on how they can protect themselves, and tell them what to do if they think they have been a victim.
“In every class I visited, the pupils were aware of someone who had been a victim of cyber bullying such as receiving a nasty e-mail or text so this was definitely a worthwhile project.
“I am grateful to the Ystrad and Llwynypia Communities First who provided the funding from the Community Cohesion Fund for the lessons which we are hoping to repeat again next year.
Schools that took part in the 90-minute lesson were Ysgol Hen Felin, Bodringallt Primary School, Ysgol Gyfun Bodringallt, and Pontrhondda Primary School Primary School.
The lesson is based on a police book titled Caught In The Web. The pupils then carried out a variety of activities to explore the issues of cyber-bullying and dangers of the internet including designing a poster to make other children aware of how to stay safe.
The winning design will be reproduced and delivered to all schools which took part in the project.
Psco Pryor added: “One of the main messages was not to give personal details on-line and not to respond to anyone they don’t know either by e-mail or text.
“The internet is a fantastic educational and social tool for young people but I would ask parents to speak with their children about this issue to keep them safe.
“I would like to thank Gareth Hughes at the Ystrad Communities First who assisted with all lessons and without his hard work and fund organising the project would not have been possible.”
Councillor Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Learning, said: “Bullying in any form is completely unacceptable and we are proud of the work that partners deliver throughout the school year in order to inform and reassure pupils of all ages across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“We have a successful Anti-Bullying Week every year, where we explore the issues, but it is important that we all work together to ensure the message and awareness is consistent throughout the year.”
Rules for children to remember:
1. Don’t respond and don’t reply to people you don’t know
2. Save any nasty e-mails or texts
3. Tell a trusted adult like a parent, grandparent or teacher
4. Don’t give out personal information
5. Don’t arrange to meet anyone you have met on-line
For more information visit www.thinkuknow.co.uk, which is a tool for parents as well as children.
