Beatbullying: Cyberbullying needs to be tackled more effectively

Expert organisation Beatbullying has said cyberbullying needs to be dealt with more effectively by the government as instances have increased among ten- and 11-year-olds.

The proliferation of cheap broadband services has enabled millions more homes to use the internet and enjoy access to a potent learning tool, while applications like VoIP hardware facilitate cheaper communication.

However, 20 per cent of schoolchildren between the ages of ten and 11 have been bullied over the web, according to figures from the Anti-Bullying Alliance.

Nearly 60 per cent of pupils who have been cyberbullied have become victims through MSN's instant messenger service, while the problem is also potent on services such as Facebook and MySpace.

Emma-Jane Cross, chief executive officer of Beatbullying, said: "These days we can all be contacted 24 hours a day via digital technology, so cyberbullying victims can suffer anytime and anyplace."

The government's universal connectivity scheme should allow many more children to communicate with their friends on the internet and access the learning resource to help with homework.