High schools across the island are committed to creating a cyber bullying-free environment.

In light of last week’s Manx Independent report, in which we discussed how Year 11 (ages 15 and 16) in Ballakermeen High School could be denied places in sixth form if they continue to bully others online, we have asked other schools what they are doing to prevent it from happening.

Castle Rushen High School e-coordinator, Helen Mason said: ’There has been an increase in online bullying in general which is a worry for all young people, as they navigate a wide variety of popular platforms but also their parents/carers and guardians have raised concerns and perhaps feel a little helpless in this unfamiliar territory.

’Castle Rushen is a "phone free" school, and believes it has a duty of care to ensure that students’ personal safety and wellbeing are protected whilst in school.

’Year 7 pupils receive dedicated E-Safety lessons as part of their wellbeing sessions which covers being safe online, digital footprints, healthy body image, cyber bullying, privacy and online reputation. Parents are also invited to an E-Safety evening, which aims to give a brief outline to the dangers and pitfalls of online spaces.

’Cyber bullying is a growing problem in every society and it is important for their own mental health and self-esteem, that students have a set of strategies so that they can manage any issues positively.’

St Ninian’s High School’s deputy head teacher Joanne White commented: ’It can be quite tough to deal with cyber bullying as it’s not always clear who the perpetrator is, as people can post anonymously. We have a zero tolerance of bullying, speak to the people involved if we can identify them, advise the person who’s in receipt of the bullying, and there may be that there needs to be a sanction imposed in school, which can result in a formal suspension if detention isn’t successful.

’Certainly when we’re looking at sixth form applications, we take into account not only exam results but their record in school generally, so if there was a track-record of bullying it would be something taken into consideration if places were being offered.’

Education Minister Dr Alex Allinson said: ’DESC is committed to supporting schools and pupils to confront and combat bullying and any other form of discrimination.

’Our secondary schools teach about the appropriate use of social media as part of the Personal, Social and Health Education [PSHE] programme.

’We are keen to encourage anyone who is, or has been subject to bullying to discuss it with their friends, family and teachers. Together we can overcome bullying and long-term harm it can cause.’