Breaking News English

Children as young as seven are posting abusive and damaging comments about their teachers on social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter, according to new research. Even worse, some of children's parents are adding their comments to what constitutes serious escalation in cyber-bullying of educators. British teaching union NASUWT conducted survey of more than 7,500 teachers. It found that almost half of teachers had reported abuse to school, police or website on which the insults were posted. Other figures show that more than 20 per cent of teachers felt they had been cyber-bullied in past year. Three per cent of comments were from under-elevens.

survey revealed that 64% of comments were made by pupils, 27% by parents, and the rest mix of both. Many of comments related to teachers’ appearance, competence, and sexuality. Chris Keates, NASUWT general secretary, said: "It is clear that steps need to be taken to protect teachers from abuse of social media by pupils and parents." She added: "Teachers are often devastated by vile nature of abuse they are suffering. Some have lost their confidence to teach once they see foul and personal remarks made by pupils in their classes and have left profession." Many teachers are afraid to report abuse. They think it would lead to more trouble.