Cyberbullying: From the Chairman

Dear Parent March 2014
USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
It has come to my attention that there have been incidents of ‘cyber bullying’ between boys of Mumbles RFC and boys playing for other local Junior teams. I understand this is done by using Facebook and in some cases Twitter.
While I understand it is always difficult to monitor everything that is put on the Social Media network, it is concerning as to how much children are allowed to use these programmes without parental guidance. I do understand that this type of socialising can be great fun and very helpful, however I believe it can also be very dangerous when used to tease and then abuse others.
When your children join a rugby club they do so not only to develop their rugby skills but hopefully to develop their social skills as well. They should be enjoying themselves and developing friendships not only with their teammates but with players from other clubs. Messages that carry threats and abuse prior to and after a game are not only dangerous but have no part in this great game.
I would like to take a common sense approach to this problem and would ask that you, as Parents, remind your children that getting involved in abusive messages on Social Media networks is not appropriate and should not be allowed to develop. Indeed if they are a victim of such actions they should tell you straight away so that the issue can be addressed before it has a chance of doing any damage.
I sincerely hope you are with me in trying to stamp out this form of abuse and you and your children continue to enjoy being part of Mumbles Rugby Club.
For your information I have sent a copy of this note to local clubs in the hope that they share my thoughts in trying to solve this issue. While I appreciate we are never going to get rid of the problem we can at least try and minimise the effect it has on children.
Yours in Sport

Martin Rodwell
Chairman
Mumbles Rugby Club
Tel: 01792 360080 (H) Mob: 07765834656 e.mail: martinrodwell123@btinternet.com