A recent study reveals 22% of Wrexham pupils engage in cyber-bullying, prompting calls for better support and policies in schools.
Students from Ysgol Y Grango spoke to the council about bullying. They said online bullying is constant and teachers need more authority to help.
The council invited students to share their views on bullying. Year seven, eight, and nine pupils attended the meeting. They emphasized the need for schools to engage more with students.
The students explained that bullying doesn’t stop when they go home. It can continue online, making it harder to escape. They noted how quickly things spread on social media.
One student mentioned that posts can resurface years later, causing new harm. They also pointed out that teachers can be victims too. A council member shared his own experience with online bullying.
The students suggested that schools need to educate younger kids about the consequences of bullying. They believe this could help change behavior.
Some council members proposed locking phones away during class. The students agreed this could help but worried it might hinder learning for some.
They explained that some students use phones to take pictures of lessons. They want schools to have more power to address bullying, both in and out of school.
Karen Evans, Chief Officer for Education, said schools are committed to supporting students. She noted that bullying is a social issue, not just an educational one.
Evans emphasized the need for better social media regulations. She also mentioned the importance of gathering opinions on responsible phone use in schools. This could help improve the situation for students.
