BUllying isn't new, it has been around for centuries, but as times change so do the methods that the bullies use. Today we think that there are something like 85% of 16-19 year olds that have a mobiole phone. Unfortunately, mobile phones are perfect for bullies - they can use then to frighten ansd upset their victims. They are anonymous and can reach you wherever you are - 24/7. The bullies think they can not be caught out - but they can.

Initially bullying via mobile phones was through nasty text messages, as the phones have moved on and included built in cameras, bullies are increasingly using these to torment their victims.

Often the victims are threatened with or are embarrassed about a photo that has been taken without their permission and which may be circulating around their school or even end up on a website.

If it happens to you...

Always remember two things:

• You don't need to put up with any kind of bullying
• You are not alone

Our advice is to:

• tell an adult that you trust if this happens to you. Never keep bullying to yourself.
• keep telling yourself that it is not your fault and that bullying is wrong.
• if you receive a message that upsets or frightens you, save them. Make a record of the times and dates that you received them and report them to the police.
• tell the police. It is against the law to make a call or send a text or email that is really abusive or menancing or constantly sending messages that are annoying you. The sender could get fined or even go to prison. Keep a record of the messages or phone calls as evidence which will help the police, even if you would like to delete them.
• ask you mobile phone provider for help - they can change your number very easily. They can also help the police to trace the calls.
• never reply to the bully, just tell a trusted adult. If you do not reply, or even better have your phone switched off, then the bully may get bored with their game and move on - however, you must still tell a trusted adult to prevent the bully preying on a new victim.
• do not record a voicemail that mentions your name. If you do the bully will know that they have the right mobile phone number.

You are not alone. Studies have shown that bullying via mobile phones and the internet means that one in five teenages have been bullied or threatened. If you or a friend has been bullied, tell a parent, trusted adult or the police about it and let's stop the bullies.

The Law

We have a law called the Tellecommunication Act of 1984. This act says that it is an offense (illegal) to...

'Cause annoyance, inconvenience or needles anxiety to another' by using a phone. If someone is found guilty of this they can face a large fine or a prison sentence up to six months.

There is a worksheet that you can use to see what advice you would give to a person that has been bullied by having nasty text messages sent to them. Mobile Phone Bullying - worksheet