CYBER-HARASSMENT OF TEACHERS

Annual Conference on the 7th and 8th April addressed a number of key current educational issues, but the topic of cyber-harassment of teachers was one which generated a great deal of interest and debate.

The resolution, which was passed unanimously, read as follows.

Conference regrets the continued harassment of teachers through social networking sites. Conference calls on the employing authorities to ensure that model guidelines and advice are developed in consultation with the teaching unions to protect the human rights of teachers.

Cyber-harassment of teachers in schools in Northern Ireland presents itself in a number of ways, including

- recording by pupils on mobile phones

- repeated, persistent requests to become ‘a friend’ on Facebook

- discussion by parents of teachers and schools on Facebook where the language used is often offensive and abusive

- pupils posting comments on the ‘Rate My Teacher’ website

To see what UTU’s view is watch: http://www.youtube.com/user/millargrattanmedia