NEWS RELEASE: 11 November 2011

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New research shows Cyber-bullying is on the increase with 38% of young people affected
As the UK prepares to raise awareness of bullying during Anti-Bullying Week, 14-18 November, latest research reveals that cyber-bullying amongst teenagers is on the increase with 38% affected.1 A staggering 78% of young people fear cyber-bullying will continue to rise. 46% of young people feel that current initiatives are insufficient in targeting their protection, prevention and needs, perhaps partly explaining why 28% of cyber-bullying victims have not informed anyone of their experience. The research, Young Peoples voices on Cyber-bullying, was commissioned by the Diana Award, with the support of the Childrens Research Centre, Open University. The Diana Award run a peer led bullying prevention programme, Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, in 200 schools and youth organisations throughout England. The report is the largest survey carried out on cyber-bullying and surveyed the views of 1,512 young people across England. 2 The research will be discussed at the Diana Award National Anti-Bullying Conference on Monday 14th November in London. Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud will talk about her own experience of bullying and her passion for tackling bullying. Nicola and a panel of stakeholders and experts will lead a Q&A session. Other key research findings include: Abusive emails 26%, and text messages 24%, are the most prominent method of cyber-bullying. Older teenagers3 are at a greater risk, 5% higher, to cyber-bullying and exposed to more aggressive behavior including incidences of death threats, computer viruses and explicit images. The majority of young people, 56% felt the time spent away from was school was when they experienced cyber-bullying. 15% experience cyber-bullying while travelling and receive messages etc whilst on their mobile phone. With 90% of young people using a mobile phone on a daily basis, their risk to cyber-bullying increased. 99% of teenagers felt safest at school and 94% felt that school was the most effective place for education and deterrence. Maggie Turner OBE and Chief Executive of the Diana Award said: This report clearly identifies the shocking and increasing numbers of young people affected by cyber-bullying. These findings plainly evidence that funding and improved safeguards are still needed to better protect our children in society. Maggie commented: The study also shows the highest method, 28%, of those who report cyber-bullying inform a friend or peer mentor. Therefore proving that peer led programmes, such as the Diana Award AntiBullying Ambassadors Programme, would provide the most appropriate vehicle of preventing and supporting young victims of bullying.
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38% of young people were exposed to cyber-bullying as victims or witnesses, this increase exceeds the findings of other studies which placed rates between 16% (Smith et al, 2008) and 30% (Cross et al, 2009) 2 This is the largest survey carried out on cyberbullying in England and of this kind; young people devised and collected data from the research questionnaires. It consisted of: one large survey, two online surveys and four focus groups, carried out from September 2009 to July 2011. In total, it encompassed the views of 1,512 young people in England (consisting of 1490 pupils who completed the surveys and 22 who designed the research) 3 Age split is 13-14 (year 8/ younger youth) and 14-15 (year 10/ older youth)

To date, 1,500 young people volunteer and lead the Diana Award Anti-Bullying Ambassadors programme in schools throughout England. The Ambassadors provide a network of young people who share and develop best practices and have received training to help them present bullying prevention initiatives and provide ongoing peer support. Following the research the Diana Award has proposed the following recommendations: Government should ring fence funds for sustained anti-bullying work within the communities to counter the high level of bullying that is still prevalent Charities and education establishments must be supported to provide skills training and support for young people to lead age specific tailored intervention programmes for example the Diana Award Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Programme Government-led commitment to create one central anti-bullying resource and best available practice for all young people Government-led commitment to create one central anti-bullying resource and best available practice for all parents and adults working with young people Internet and mobile phone providers to provide visible and accessible cyber safeguards including improved safety features, more regulation, codes of conduct and to work with parents to achieve this Central Government to hold schools and youth organisations to account for implementing and regularly reviewing cyber-bullying policies

Mary Kellett, Professor of Childhood and Youth and Director of the Childrens Research Centre at the Open University, co-author of the report said: This youth-led report demonstrates the impact that cyber-bullying is having on young peoples lives, the pace at which it reinvents itself and the inadequacy of current measures to contain it. This is no longer an acceptable situation, politicians and childhood professionals, entrusted with the guardianship of our young people, must take note of its findings and take some bold steps to tackle the issues. The Diana Award was established in 1999 in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, as a legacy to her belief in the power of young people to change the world. Every Award Holder has demonstrated the qualities associated with the late Princess - compassion and a selfless commitment to improving the lives of others. - ends For a copy of the full report or for interviews or attendance please contact Vari Lambert on: 0207 921 4570 / 07834 916 018 vari.lambert@diana-award.org.uk www.diana-award.org.uk Notes to the editor: Young peoples voices on cyber-bullying: What can age comparisons tell us? A report by Saima Tarapdar and Professor Mary Kellett, Open University 1.45pm Q&A Session on bullying initiatives in England: Chris Murrell- Ofsted/HMI inspector, Nicola Roberts Girls Aloud, Paul Vodden- his son, Ben Vodden committed suicide because of bullying, Maggie Turner OBE Chief Executive of Diana Award, ITV Weather Girl Clare Nasir will host the Q&A session. Address: Britannia Hotels, The International Hotel, 163 Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf, London E14 9SJ

The anti-bullying conference on Monday 14th Nov will shine a light on hundreds of young people who are engaged in preventative work. Not only are they shaping their school, their community but also the world around them. In the morning they will explore bullying creatively through drama, dance, art, singing, poetrywith the results showcased for all to see. Highlights in the afternoon include the launch of cyber-bullying research, a panel debate with key stakeholders as guest and a dance workshop and performance led by Britains Got Talents Twist and Pulse. Some young people who have experienced cyber-bullying include: Sophia, aged 15 from Stourbridge, Sophia was a victim of cyber-bullying. Sophia was initially bullied about her appearance throughout school and then the bullies asked their older sisters to send rude messages to Sophia on MSN. Sophia kept a chat log to report the bullying. Sophia is now a member of the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Programme and is looking forward to using her own experience to help others overcome bullying. Sophia said: The cyber-bullying made me feel insecure, vulnerable and low in confidence. I didnt know how to protect myself and after several months, I plucked up the courage to tell someone. I really think more needs to be done to help protect young people online. The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Programme The Diana Award runs the peer-led Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Programme. The current 1,500 Ambassadors are the public face of anti-bullying work happening in schools and communities across England. The Ambassadors are a network of young people who share and develop best practices and have received training, from Speakers Trust, to help them present bullying prevention initiatives and provide ongoing peer support. The Ambassadors engage in a variety of preventative work from Smile and Compliment days, drop in support sessions to anti-bullying patrols around their playground- they make it their mission to tackle bullying, receiving support and training along the way. To nominate a young person to join the Ambassadors programme or for information on the Diana Award visit: www.diana-award.org.uk