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North Swindon woman starts government online petition to combat cyber bullying
'e-crime is a 21st Century problem of epic proportions, without a 21st Century solution' says Christine Pratt from Abbey Meads, founder of The
National Bullying Helpline.
Like millions of others she was e-theft, identity fraud said Christine. “Just lobby for e-crime Legislation. It will
shocked by the reports of cyber abuse and even industrial what is OFCOM (the never completely stop internet hate-
over the summer months, including espionage over the in- electronic communica- crime but it may act as a deterrent and
the suicides of Daniel Perry and Han- ternet. tions regulator) doing may even save lives.”
nah Smith. “It affects us all, about this anti-social Christine needs 100,000 signa-
She believes e-crime covers any adults and children behaviour? The regula- tories to the online petition to have
form of anti-social behaviour using alike, and is most ap- tor has the teeth, the the issue considered for debate in the
technology - trolling, mobbing, parent through social power, and the means House of Commons.
cyber-bullying, cyber-stalking, child media sites like Ask.fm, to help us here. Sign it at: www.epetitions.direct.
exploitation over the net, cyber fraud, Facebook and Twitter,” “David Cameron gov.uk/petitions/54143
urges us to boycott 'vile' For help with bullying issues call
12 year old demands ASK.FM to unmask bullies websites. Let's go a step further. Let's Christine on 0845 22 55 787.
Josh Johnston, 12, led a protest march through Royal Wootton Bassett
on 31 August after launching a petition calling on Latvian-based Ask.fm
to change the way it operates, writes Rhona Jack. Swindon
Josh signed up to the social media be traced and prosecuted.
site for teens last year, but within two He has gathered support from Home & Away Scheme
weeks he was targeted with venomous Swindon & District branch of The Sa-
messages such as ‘Go hang yourself ’ maritans after they heard about Josh’s Improving Outcomes for Disabled Children
and ‘Go slit your wrists.’ protest. They are ready to listen to and
He didn’t tell anyone and lost con- support young people with all sorts
fidence, believing he was worthless, of problems, not just feeling suicidal. More Carers Needed!
and made two attempts to end his life. With support from friends, fam- Home & Away is our family-based scheme
Ask.fm’s anonymous registration ily and counsellors, Josh has found designed to support parents of children
lets cyber-bullying flourish, leading strength to fight back and is clear with disabilities by providing children Overnight Short Breaks for
to several reported teenage suicides Ask.fm will not claim him as another with the opportunity to enjoy different Children with Disabilities
experiences and develop new friendships.
Having refound his confidence suicide statistic For more information please contact Swindon’s Family
Josh is demanding Ask.fm remove Keep up to date with Josh on Placement Team on 01793 465700 or visit the website
anonymity so that abusive bullies can Facebook: Joshs-Askfm-Campaign at www.swindon.gov.uk/homeandaway

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