Regulation call for web bullies

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7159598.stm

Version 0 of 1.

Leading websites need to increase their self-regulation to tackle a rise in cyberbullying, according to Scotland's largest teaching union.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) voiced its concerns over the amount of inappropriate material about schools, pupils and teachers.

General secretary Ronnie Smith said those hosting the websites were failing to exercise proper editorial control.

He said a joint effort was needed to tackle the problem.

The Scottish Government said internet service providers had to ensure that the content of sites complied with the law.

Mr Smith said websites would argue that they removed inappropriate material when it was reported to them - but he warned that by that time the damage had already been done.

This is unacceptable behaviour from those posting these materials Ronnie SmithEIS general secretary

"Inappropriate or offensive material posted on a website can have a devastating affect on a pupil or teacher, and seriously impact on their self-confidence and their mental wellbeing," he said.

"We have observed an ever-increasing number of incidents involving material such as malicious comments or secretly taken photographs or video clips being posted on some of the most popular websites.

"This is unacceptable behaviour from those posting these materials, but also represents a failure of those hosting websites to exercise effective editorial control over the material posted on their sites."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "This is a reserved policy matter and the Scottish Government continues to work with the Home Office to develop safe use of the internet.

"Bullying in any form is never acceptable and should be dealt with swiftly and effectively whenever and wherever it occurs."

He added that Respectme, the national anti-bullying service, provided advice, information and training to authorities, schools and communities to support them in dealing with incidents of bullying.