Teacher Support Network have welcomed the recent publication of the ‘Cyberbullying: Supporting School Staff' guidance for Local Authorities and governing bodies.

The document was written by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) with the support of Teacher Support Network, leading school employee unions and professional associations.

A survey conducted this year by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) and Teacher Support Network found that one in seven respondents had experienced cyberbullying. Almost one in five said they knew of colleagues who had become victims.

The results also suggested school policies need to be significantly improved, as 62 per cent said that either their school didn't have a policy to address cyberbullying or they were unaware of one.

New Teacher Support Network Chief Executive Julian Stanley said: "We welcome the publication of guidance on this very pressing issue and are very pleased to have been able to contribute to its production.

"What was once a note passed among pupils in the classroom is now posted on the internet for all to see. Cyberbullying must be combated to prevent damage to the wellbeing of both teachers and pupils – and to standards of education for all.

"It's crucial that schools adopt meaningful and effective policies to address the problem and root out cyberbullying - whether it's from pupils, colleagues or school leaders."

Don't forget we are here to support you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call our free, confidential Support Lines on 08000 562 561 (England), 0800 564 2270 (Scotland) or 08000 855 088 (Wales).

You might also be interested in these factsheets from our online InfoCentres:

• Cyberbullying and online safety: resources for teachers
• Advice for teachers: dealing with cyber-bullying; harassment
• MySpace privacy settings
• Facebook privacy settings