UK teachers warned of students “whipping up abuse” on Facebook
By ANIThursday, January 13, 2011
LONDON - Teachers in Britain have been issued fresh guidance on cyber bullying amid a rising number of complaints about intimidation of staff online.
Head teachers have warned that social networking websites such as Facebook can “whip up abuse” against teachers leaving a trail of “immense harm”.
The National Association of Head teachers (NAHT) said that fuelled by technology and encouraged by anonymity, rumours and gossip easily grow into “petitions” and campaigns against certain education leaders.
The union has called on Facebook and other popular social networking sites to respond more quickly to reports of abuse and implement “streamlined” mechanisms for reporting such abuse.
“Parents have a right to express their views and complaints should be heard - schools can only benefit from constructive feedback,” the Telegraph quoted Russell Hobby, the NAHT general secretary, as saying.
“Too often, though, social networking sites are a medium for the unreasonable and the unprincipled and have a momentum out of all proportion to reality.
“The lack of accountability or moderation can whip up a cycle of abuse and sustained intimidation, causing immense harm,” he stated.
A Facebook spokeswoman said reports of a “serious nature”, such as bullying or harassment, are prioritised and reviewed by experts within 24 hours. (ANI)
