Cyberbullying Debate - 20th Feb, 2008

Sian James MP raised concerns about cyberbullying in a Commons debate.

Sian James MP, will today lead a Commons campaign to combat cyber bullying. This follows a complaint from a constituent, who's child was assaulted while in school.

Mrs James also received representations from teaching unions and head teachers about the problem since she first raised it in Parliament last year.

Since then the Swansea East MP has heard of other cases of cyber bullying in Swansea and has seen some of the clips first-hand.

Speaking ahead of her adjournment debate Mrs James said: "With the growth of internet sharing and similar social networking sites, there are more and more ways for young people to use the internet to interact and inform themselves.

"Cyber bullying is one of the negative effects that has emerged from the growth of such sites. The internet is a new vehicle for bullying, and I would rather not let them have it."

Mrs James said she had seen examples of such bullying which she says is harmful and can have a serious impact on young people.

"Young people can be deeply affected by this behaviour. One of the most damaging aspects is that the material is on the net forever," said Mrs James.

"That is what is causing the most pain to victims. When I have spoken to the parents of the victims of this type of behaviour, which can be seen on websites, they say the most frustrating part is that you cannot get the material removed, which means their child is unable to get over it.

"Someone organises the attack, films it and then posts it on a website, which is there for all to see. That is the ultimate humiliation and they cannot pretend it didn't happen."

Mrs James said she wants new legislation to be introduced to give police greater powers to prosecute cyber bullies.

She said: "If this sort of material is being posted on the web and it shows a criminal act taking place, I believe the police should act on it.

"Obviously, if footage of a blatant crime being committed is posted, you would expect the police to react, but in the case of bullying we need to make sure the offence is taken just as seriously and not just sidelined or ignored. That is why I believe the police should be given more powers to combat this type of behaviour."

She added: "I don't want a nanny state but the reality is that the pain and suffering being caused to the young victims of this type of behaviour is very real and needs addressing."