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Bullying - A virtual disgrace

12 November 2008

National 'ban bullying at work' day, 7 November, is a chance to highlight and tackle the growing problem of cyber bullying says PCS health and safety officer Phil Madelin.

Cyber bullying – being bullied or harassed by mobile phone, email or over the internet – is usually seen as a problem confined to teenagers and young adults, but it is also becoming a growing issue in the workplace.

A recent survey found one in five workers has experienced some form of cyber bullying. And unlike physical bullying, which is usually confined to the workplace, the cyber bully can pursue their victim beyond work, intruding into their home and family life.

How do you know if you are being cyber bullied?

Cyber bullying can take many forms, including:

  • Offensive emails – employing insulting language or sending links or attachments to offensive sites
  • Email threats – using email to overload someone with tasks or pursuing unrealistic deadlines
  • Email ‘mobbing’ – sending emails designed to build resentment or hostility towards an individual, even if they are unaware it is going on
  • Social networking sites – leaving offensive statements about individuals (this is often carried out by bullies who conceal their true identities). Social networking sites can also be used to spread malicious gossip and lies
  • Offensive text messages – these can also be used to spread lies and gossip
  • Publishing private contact details in public areas – and encouraging others to contact the victim who may not know how their details have been obtained.

Tackling the problem

If you are experiencing cyber bullying don’t suffer in silence. Remember, you are not in any way to blame. Your employer needs to take the issue seriously and have procedures in place to allow you to challenge bullying behaviour.

If you think you are being bullied or subjected to harassment, whether it is cyber bullying or any other form, there are several things you can do:

  • Talk to your union rep as soon as possible
  • Keep a written record of any incidents, including times, dates and details, the names of any witnesses, your response and your feelings. With cyber bullying, keep copies of emails and texts as it may be possible to identify who is sending them
  • Don’t reply to offensive emails or texts
  • Consider reporting offensive text messages or phone calls to your network provider – they may be able to trace or block them
  • Talk to colleagues – find out whether you are the only person being bullied or if anyone else is affected in the same way. A group complaint might carry more weight. It is also important to get support from colleagues to challenge bullying behaviour
  • If your workplace has harassment contact officers consider getting in touch for an impartial discussion of the situation
  • Check whether your employer has a policy on bullying or harassment. Also, check any policies on unacceptable email use
  • If necessary seek medical help. If you have an occupational health service consider going to see them.
  • If your employer provides a welfare service or an employee assistance programme think about contacting them
  • Find out your employer’s grievance procedure
  • Consider making a complaint. You might need to do this if the incidents are serious or if challenging the bully has not worked.  Your rep can advise you.
  • If you receive junk emails, known as spam, you should not reply. Do not click on links that state ‘click here to stop receiving these messages’ as this confirms your email address and could escalate the problem
  • Keep your PCS rep informed of any developments.

Check out PCS’s guidance for members and reps through our health and safety pages on the PCS website www.pcs.org.uk/hs

For more information and resources on national ban bullying at work day see www.banbullyingatwork.com
General information and resources on tackling bullying can be found on the Andrea Adams Trust website www.andreaadamstrust.org