Cyberbulling & Online Harassment

Cyberbullying and online harassment can be devastating for children and their families. Schools have a legal duty to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils, but sadly, it still happens. Cyberbullying can be particularly harmful as children cannot escape it, even at home. Getting the right expert support is often essential to stop this behaviour and protect children.

At IBB Law, our specialist education lawyers have specific expertise in all forms of school bullying, including cyberbullying and online harassment. Our cyberbullying solicitors can advise parents and students on their rights, as well as step in to make sure schools take the right action to protect children.  We have taken action against schools and taken matters to the courts where children have been bullied.

We only act for children and parents, so you know we are 100% on your side. We have taken action against schools for compensation in respect of children being bullied.

Our experts can also advise on other types of bullying in schools. We are particularly experienced in all issues of safeguarding in schools.  Celia Whittuck, an experienced solicitor in our Education law team, frequently deals with safeguarding issues in schools, including cyberbullying. “Celia Whittuck is a phenomenally dedicated solicitor and a real delight to work with.”

To discuss your case and find out how we can help, you can book a fixed-fee online consultation with one of our specialist education solicitors. They will listen to you about your child’s experience and consider any documents you have relating to the cyberbullying and harassment, at the consultation meeting.  It is always useful for us to see screenshots of text messages, posts, tweets and any digital communications used to harass, embarrass, threaten or target a child, including those designed to cause embarrassment, such as photos of a sexual nature. Our dedicated education solicitors will provide guidance on your legal position in respect of the cyberbullying and exactly what steps you can take to support and protect your child, as well as claim financial compensation.

Our cyberbullying and online harassment solicitors only work with students and parents – we do not work with schools or local authorities. This means you can be confident that we only have your best interests at heart and that we are highly motivated to get the right outcome for you and your family.

To learn about our experience of supporting children and parents across a range of education law issues, please read our Case Summaries and Case Studies.

How IBB Law’s education law solicitors can help with cyberbullying

Recognising cyberbullying

Not every instance of a child being upset by something that is said to them or about them online will necessarily be considered cyberbullying (although it is always important to treat these issues seriously and sensitively so that children know they can open up about any harmful interactions they have). Knowing whether your child is being cyberbullied can help you decide what action to take, so getting the right advice early on can be decisive.

Our school cyberbullying solicitors can advise on whether what your child has experienced is likely to be considered cyberbullying. We can then talk you through your options about how to tackle it from a legal perspective and support you in taking suitable steps to resolve the issue and protect your child.

How to stop cyberbullying

If you believe your child is being cyberbullied, then you should inform their school in writing and ask what actions the school will take to resolve the situation. Schools are legally required to have a behaviour policy that includes provisions for preventing bullying amongst pupils, so you can also request a copy of this policy if it is not available online. It is also a good idea to request a copy of the school’s complaint procedure in case you are not satisfied with the school’s response.

If the school does not take sufficient action to resolve the problem, then you can potentially take action against the school for failing in their duty of care towards your child, including legal action, although this is always a last resort. We work to find a solution in the quickest timeframe. The child’s welfare and mental wellbeing is paramount. Children are the focus of all that we do.

Our cyberbullying and online harassment solicitors can support you through school processes, making sure you have the best chance of securing the outcome your family needs.

How to report cyberbullying

You have two options for reporting cyberbullying – contacting your child’s school and contacting the police. Which option you take will depend on the circumstances, although we recommend you always speak to your child’s school at the earliest opportunity. As covered above, schools have a legal duty to prevent bullying, so they should take action to resolve the situation promptly.

If you believe a crime has occurred, you should also consider reporting the matter to the police.

Our cyberbullying solicitors’ fees

We offer a fixed-fee initial online consultation with one of our specialist education solicitors to discuss your situation and how we can help your child.  At the end of the consultation meeting, you may feel you have enough information to deal with the cyberbullying without our further assistance.

However, if you do need additional help from us, we will advise you on the likely cost and agree a figure with you before undertaking any work, so you are in control of the cost and the work will be undertaken by us to address the cyberbullying your child has experienced.

To arrange your consultation, please contact our education law legal administrators, either Kinjal or Rachael, on 01893 207 961, or email at educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk. Kinjal and Rachael can send you a link to an online booking suite so you can select a day and time that is convenient for your fixed-fee consultation. At that consultation, the solicitor will listen to you about what your child’s experience of cyberbullying has been, consider any documents you have, including screenshots of text messages, tweets and posts, threatening or embarrassing a child, including photos of a sexual nature, before advising what action can be taken.

For more information on our education law pricing, please get in touch.

Common questions about cyberbullying laws in the UK

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is the umbrella term for any type of bullying that involves digital communication, such as text messages, social media posts, gaming platforms and messaging applications.

Cyberbullying on social media is a particular area of concern as the impact can be so widespread, but other types of cyberbullying can also be very damaging.

Is cyberbullying illegal in the UK?

Certain forms of cyberbullying could involve criminal offences, depending on the exact nature of the behaviour involved.

For example, if cyberbullying were to cause the victim ‘alarm or distress’, then there is the potential that a criminal charge could be brought under the Harassment Act 1997. Alternatively, if the cyberbullying involved behaviour that was considered ‘grossly offensive’, then it might be possible to bring a prosecution.

What are the different types of cyberbullying?

There are many different types of cyberbullying, including:

• Sending threatening, abusive or sexually explicit messages
• Creating and/or sharing embarrassing sexual pictures and videos
• Accessing a person’s online accounts or creating fake accounts in their name and using these to embarrass the person
• Creating groups, sites or communities with the aim of directing hate or other forms of harmful behaviour against a particular person or group of people
• Excluding people from games, groups or other online activities
• Trolling, i.e. sending upsetting or threatening content through online platforms such as social media, games or online messaging applications

How does cyberbullying affect people?

Cyberbullying can cause very significant harm to the victims. It can seriously impact their mental wellbeing and development, causing issues such as depression, anxiety and social withdrawal. Victims may become wary and suspicious of others, struggle to make or maintain friendships and feel rejected by their peers.

Sadly, the harm that cyberbullying causes can be very long-lived, especially if it is not addressed promptly and effectively. Stopping the bullying can give children the best chance of bouncing back, as can making sure they have the right support from their school and from specialists, such as counsellors.

What others say about IBB’s specialist education solicitors

“Thank you so much for all your work on this. I have heard from staff and parents that safeguarding is now a huge priority for the school, so I feel that the action we took has had the desired effect.”

“Hi Celia.  To say I am so thankful and happy with this outcome is an understatement.  The best best news.  Thank you again.”

“We can’t thank you enough for your expert assistance throughout this case and we particularly appreciated the clarity and kindness you showed in every communication. The matter could have escalated very unpleasantly except for your intervention, for which we are extremely grateful.”

“From the outset, they listened and guided me through my options. I have been struck by the consistency in their process, their professionalism and empathy. Their strengths have definitely been in their willingness to collaborate with other legal professionals in order to give you the best possible chance of success. They don’t shy away from meeting online, so I really feel understood and cared for.”

“Very personal service where nothing is too much trouble. Prompt in all responses and no stone left unturned to advise thoroughly ensuring the best decision is made. Impressive high standards in all aspects of service. I can’t rate them highly enough.”

“I believe IBB Law Education Team have shown themselves to be true to their word. They have collaborated with me in terms of what to expect at each stage of my case. Their practice is transparent and open, and they are clear and concise regarding the fees.”

“The experience was excellent. I was able to sort out my issue in less than a month with the help of the team at IBB Law. Right from the beginning of contacting the firm, I was provided with all the support and communication with the team was also very smooth. I am more than happy to have contacted the firm. I would definitely recommend IBB Law to anyone that is going through a similar situation as mine.”

“IBB offer unrivalled skill and expertise when it comes to education law matters. They are very well-placed to represent students in all types of public and private law claims against universities. They also do a lot of work in the school sector, in particular when representing parents in claims against independent schools. They are knowledgeable in the main areas of law that cut across these and associated areas of the education sector. Given their level of experience in these areas, they also have a very good practical understanding of the education sector and are geared towards achieving good practical outcomes for their clients.”

“The gold standard team for higher education work. IBB is one of my main instructing solicitors and I always feel completely confident that they will do an excellent job for the client. The cases are meticulously prepared, and they are very client-focused and practical in their approach.”

“Very empathetic and attentive to each individual client’s needs. I felt heard and understood for the first time by professionals. The team was easy and quick to communicate with and the whole process made me feel at ease.”

“My matter was dealt and over with quite quickly with a happy outcome.”

“IBB offer an excellent education law service, with particular expertise in higher education matters.”

“Celia Whittuck is a star individual. She has gained considerable experience in education law and has excellent strategic litigation strategy, particularly for civil claims against independent schools and universities, and internal complaints and appeal processes in relation to these institutions. She puts the client’s outcome at the heart of what she does and has a track record for achieving good results.”

“Growing education law team focusing on higher education law matters.”

“Celia Whittuck is a phenomenally dedicated solicitor and a real delight to work with.”

“Focused and determined education team.”

“Celia Whittuck has a growing reputation in the area.”

The Education Law Team at IBB is ranked by Legal 500. Legal 500 describe themselves as the leading guide to law firms and solicitors across the UK.

Celia Whittuck at IBB is ranked by Chambers and Partners. Chambers and Partners say of themselves: “Our rankings are the most thoroughly researched and independent on the market. Each one is assessed by our dedicated team of experienced researchers using our unrivalled research methodology, which includes tens of thousands of one-to-one interviews every year.

“If you are buying legal services in the UK and need reliable recommendations on the best law firms and solicitors, our rankings, editorial and analysis will provide you with the information you need to make the most well-informed decision when it matters.”

Call today to discuss how we can help with cyberbullying cases

To find out more about how our cyberbullying and online harassment solicitors can help, please contact Kinjal or Rachael, our education law legal administrators, on 01895 207 961, or by email at educationteam@ibblaw.co.uk. They can arrange a fixed fee consultation and send you a link to our online booking suite, where you can choose a day and time most convenient for your meeting with the specialist education solicitor.