Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Ellis is backing a theatre performance which educates children about the causes of cyber bullying and sexting.
The theatre performance ‘Dreamkeepers’ is produced by Saltmine Theatre Company and aimed at children aged seven to 11 in schools across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, and is followed by an educational workshop.
It was set up by Staffordshire Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB) as a way to educate children about the consequences of cyber bullying, how to stay safe online and the dangers of sharing personal information and photos.
Mr Ellis watched the performance at Barnfields Primary School in Stafford along with staff from SSBC and children at the school.
The Commissioner said: “The drama packed such a powerful and hard-hitting message for children.
“More and more children are now using social media and technology at a young age so it is important that all schools educate them on the consequences of cyber bullying.
“Intervening early to make sure young people can protect themselves from harm is crucial –which is why this production is so important.”
Phil Davies, Learning and Development Manager for SSCB, said: “The project aims to improve the quality and safety of each child’s online presence and to prevent them being targeted for criminal activity or using anti-social behaviour. It is a preventative and targeted activity to raise awareness with children about how to stay safe online and on the streets which is a key strategic priority for both Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Safeguarding Children Boards.
“In recent years, primary school children are increasingly using new technology as part of their everyday lives, presenting a new range of opportunities and risks. The latest findings from BeatBullying reveal that 21% of eight to 11 year olds have been deliberately targeted, threatened or humiliated by an individual or group through the use of mobile phones or the internet. For nearly half of these, this experience was ongoing, meaning that the individual described the bullying as continuous cyberbullying by the same person or group over a prolonged period of time. This would suggest that one in ten primary school children have experienced persistent and intentional bullying inflicted via technology.
“It is hoped that these performances for primary school children across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will, through the power of drama, understand the impact of cyberbullying from an early age.”
The PCC provided funding to SSCB through the Commissioner’s Proceeds of Crime Fund to run the performances and workshops across schools in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
The Commissioner has created an online survey that relates to cyber safety. To have your say visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/have-your-say.
