Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, said: “I welcome this report. I am delighted to have Liam Hackett, CEO of Ditch the Label, sit on my digital taskforce and share his expertise on the digital rights of children.
“Bullying is a huge problem for young people and the 24/7 nature of social media means it can seem relentless and not stop at the school gate. The impact of bullying can be devastating and children who perpetrate it may not realise the extreme upset it can cause. Children may also say things online that they would never say in the real world.
“There needs to be a better understanding of the reasons why children may bully others, which can in some instances be as a result of their own vulnerability. Schools, teachers and parents all have a role to play in promoting respectful relationships whatever the environment, as well as tackling stereotypes.”