Victims of cyberbullying to receive support in the Highlands

14th November 2009

Guidance on tackling bullying via the Internet and mobile phones is soon to be distributed to all staff in education, culture and sport establishments throughout The Highland Council's area.

Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of the Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: "Members have given their full endorsement to new Cyberbullying Guidance which was created by a multi-agency/organisation working group. I was particulary pleased to be part of the working group that led up to the new guidelines. We want everyone pupils, parents and staff to be aware of how to handle siuations that can arise from new technology. I have recommended that these new guidlines are sent to all sections of Highland council to be adapted as necessary for individual departments"

The working group consulted widely with the Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers (LNCT), the Council's E-Safety Strategy Group, parents and teachers of primary and secondary schools; Northern Constabulary and NHS Highland; the Council's Legal Service and Education, Culture and Sport Service Officers; and the voluntary sector.

Report author, Louise Jones, Health Promoting Schools Manager informed members that advice on the draft version of the guidance was also sought from the national anti-bullying organisation 'Respectme'. She stated that: "Respectme are unaware of any other authority in Scotland which has developed support for professionals with the unique issues which cyberbullying can present, and that Respectme congratulated Highland Council on its approach to this issue."

The Cyberbullying Guidance will support Education, Culture and Sport staff who have to deal with children and young people who may be on the receiving end of cyberbullying. The guidance will also enable staff to learn how to avoid cyberbullying.

Louise Jones added: "Cyberbullying can have devastating impacts on the victims, some of which have been our own staff in recent times through teacher rating websites. The guidance will also help staff who they themselves have been on the receiving end of cyberbullying."

The guidance covers; an explanation of what constitutes cyberbullying; the Laws concerned; preventing, responding and investigating cyberbullying and how to work with the person displaying cyberbullying behaviour.

Further information on cyberbullying and e-safety can be found on www.highlandesafety.wordpress.com or by contacting Louise Jones on tel: 01463 702066.

A copy of the Cyberbullying Guidance is on the Council's website at www.highland.gov.uk
http://www.highland.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/34C9BD72-E8AE-49B1-BF57-EC00A416A436/0/Item9ECS5309.pdf

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

29/9/2026 : Local Authority

Are We Trying to Save Britain’s Towns Without Planning Their Future?

Walk through almost any British town centre and you can see the evidence of change.   There are empty shops where there were once businesses.  

Today : Local Authority

Highland Council Ward 3 By-election - Voters urged to make sure their vote counts

Polling will take place on Thursday 1 October 2026 to elect one of five candidates standing in The Highland Council's Wick and East Caithness Ward 3 by-election.  Voters are being reminded to make sure they are ready to cast their vote.  

26/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

September is Scottish Start-Up Month – could your business idea become a reality?

September has become a month when Scotland's aspiring entrepreneurs are being encouraged to take a closer look at an idea that may have been sitting in the back of their minds for some time.   Scottish Start-Up Month, led by Business Gateway, has returned for 2026 with a simple message: if you have an idea for a business, this could be the month to take the first step.  

25/9/2026 : Educational Institutions

Fewer Children, More Difficult Decisions: The Future of Highland's Schools

For many years Highland Council has faced difficult decisions over small rural schools.   Some have closed, others have been mothballed, and communities have often argued that a village school is about much more than the number of children sitting in its classrooms.  

25/9/2026 : Local Authority

Glasgow’s 23,000 Council Workers Face a Major Pay Shake-Up

Glasgow City Council has taken a dramatic step in its long-running equal-pay dispute, giving notice that it intends to end existing pay arrangements for its non-teaching workforce unless an agreement can be reached with the trade unions.   Around 23,000 employees are affected.  

25/9/2026 : Employment Services

What Are the Options for Scottish Pupils Who Do Not Want the Traditional Academic Route?

Parents of teenagers in England are being told that they will need to understand a new range of vocational qualifications as their children approach the age of 14.   The Career Development Institute has welcomed the introduction of new Vocational GCSEs, which are due to start being introduced in England from 2029.  

24/9/2026 : Local Authority

The £27 Million Energy Bill Facing Highland Council – And NHS Highland's Hidden Cost

Rising energy prices are a problem for households and businesses, but there is another very large energy bill that receives much less attention.   Highland Council operates one of the largest public-sector property estates in Scotland, while NHS Highland runs hospitals, health centres, clinics and other facilities across an enormous geographical area.  

24/9/2026 : Local Authority

Public invited to Justice Service open days in Fort William and Wick

The Highland Council’s Justice Social Work teams in Lochaber and Caithness will be hosting open days in Fort William on Tuesday 6 October and Wick on Friday 9 October 2026.   The open days will provide members of the public with an opportunity to gain an insight into the Justice Service and find out more about the excellent work going on locally.  

23/9/2026 : Local Authority

Launch of New Transport Service for Renal Patients in Highland

NHS Highland and The Highland Council are pleased to announce the launch of a new bespoke year-round transport service for renal haemodialysis patients across Highland.   Funded through a grant from NHS Highland, the service marks the first phase of a new approach to patient transport delivery, designed to support the long-term development of a more sustainable, flexible and community-focused transport model for Highland.  

23/9/2026 : Local Authority

Economy and Infrastructure Committee to consider next steps on proposed Short Term Let Control Areas

Members of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee will meet next Monday (28 September 2026) to consider whether to progress proposals for new Short Term Let Control Areas across parts of Highland.   At the special meeting, councillors will be asked to consider the findings of a public consultation on proposed control areas covering Inverness City and a wider Highland Rural area, before deciding whether the proposals should be submitted to Scottish Ministers for approval.