Responding to a new World Health Organisation (WHO) study which found that one in six school-aged children experiences cyberbullying, Sarah Hannafin, senior policy advisor for school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“These figures showing an increase in cyberbullying among children are a real concern, and while schools work hard to help keep pupils safe, online bullying can take place anywhere, at any time.

“Schools alone cannot tackle the issue and the government must ensure the Online Safety Act is implemented swiftly and properly enforced, while social media platforms must do much more to provide a safe online environment. This must include better monitoring, robust age verification, clear ways to report concerns and more transparent codes of conduct, setting out the implications of misuse.

“The government should establish a national online safety strategy and education programme to raise public awareness - supporting parents and carers to understand the risks and benefits of their children’s exposure to the digital world outside of school. NAHT stands ready to work with the government and other stakeholders to help make this a reality.”