Queen Elizabeth II High School is hosting a free information evening for parents to help them become familiar with the risks of the online world. It was while reviewing its anti-bullying policy in November 2009 that an increase in incidents of cyber-bullying was highlighted. Following consultation with parents and pupils in the west of the Island, it was clear that there was a need to provide parents with further information and access to support. ‘Bringing several agencies together under one roof seemed like the ideal way to provide this service,’ said Headteacher Sue Moore. ‘We have done a lot of anti-bullying work in school with our students and we feel that it is now time to involve parents so that we can work together more effectively to keep children safe.’ Recent research in the UK has indicated that one in three children is a victim of harassment on line. There has been an explosion in the number of young people who access social networking sites such as Facebook. Along with the advances in technology such as iPhones, this means that children can be targeted 24 hours a day. The information evening, which takes place at the school on Thursday 4th November, will provide practical workshops for parents around the issues of Facebook, safe mobile phone use, cyber-bullying and the law and examining the emotional effects of cyber-bullying. Professionals from Manx Telecom, the Isle of Man Constabulary and other services will be joined by the school’s ICT staff to lead the sessions. In addition, the school will be showcasing its Virtual Learning Environment in order to demonstrate to parents how pupils can use the internet effectively to enhance their learning in the classroom. Voirrey Barron, Manx Telecom’s Marketing Communications Manager, said: ‘We recognise how important it is to give parents the knowledge and skills to make sure their children are safe when using the internet and we are happy to provide our technical expertise to support this worthwhile event. ‘It complements methods we already use to spread awareness about internet safety in general. This includes a range of initiatives including help and advice on our website, informative articles for families in local publications, plus Manx Telecom staff giving internet safety advice to primary school children as part of the Crucial Crew event at the Isle of Man College.’ Space at the information evening is limited and places will be offered on a first come, first served basis. If you would like to attend, please contact the school on 841000 to reserve a place (school is open from 9am-4pm during half term). - Ends -