Picture This!
Key Fact
What is mobile phone bullying?
Mobile phone bullying is when someone regularly abuses, threatens or upsets you, using text, voice or image messages.
Top Tips
- Be careful who you give your phone number to – you don’t know where it might end up.
- Only have your best friends and family in your phone book.
- If someone is bullying you on your mobile your mobile company can stop this. Get an adult to phone your mobile company and ask them to block the calls. For the number to ring see the mobile phone company numbers section.
- Try to talk quietly on your phone in a public place and keep your music quiet so that you don’t annoy others around you.
- Just like a computer, your phone can be attacked by a virus. Be careful what you download onto your mobile.
- If you often receive spam (junk mail) texts report it to your mobile phone operator or www.phonepayplus.org.uk.
- Don’t lend your phone to other people.
- Turn your Bluetooth off when you have finished using it.
- IMEI stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity. It is a number you can phone to block your mobile if it is lost or stolen. You can find your IMEI number by pressing *#06#9.
- Always make sure you have permission of those involved if you take pictures you want to post online or send to another phone.
Things to Make You Think!
- The advice to help you keep safe online is the same for keeping you safe when using your phone.
- Your phone may have Bluetooth. If left turned on, other people could access your personal information or even find out where you are, using a ‘tracker’.
- If you think the content of any messages might be illegal, like racist hate comments or pictures that make you feel uncomfortable you can report it to CEOP by clicking the Report Abuse button. CEOP is the Government agency who is devoted to protecting children. Not only can you get help, but you may be helping others who could be victims.
Mobile Phone Company Numbers
Mobile Phone Company Numbers
Your mobile phone company can block calls from someone who is bullying you or sending unwanted messages.
O2 (pay as you go)
- Ring 4445 from your mobile, or
- from a different phone, ring 0844 809 0222
O2 (pay monthly)
- Ring 202 from your mobile, or
- from a different phone, ring 0844 809 0202
Orange (pay as you go)
- Ring 450 from your mobile, or
- from a different phone, ring 07973 100 450
Orange (pay monthly)
- Ring 150 from your mobile, or
- from a different phone, ring 07973 100 150
Three
- Ring 333 from your mobile, or
- from a different phone, ring 0843 373 3333
T-Mobile
- Ring 150 from your mobile, or
- from a different phone, ring 0845 412 5000
Vodafone (pay as you go)
- Ring 191 from your mobile, or
- from a different phone, ring 08700 77 66 55
Vodafone (pay monthly)
- Ring 191 from your mobile, or
- from a different phone, ring 08700 700 191
Introduction
How to use a mobile phone safely.
PC Heard’s Advice
Question and Answer
Question: Someone in my class has sent me nasty text messages. Should I send some back?
Answer: No, never reply to a bully or send text messages back. Often bullies send texts to get a reaction, so don’t respond. Bullies who don’t get a reaction often get bored and stop.
Question: What is cyber bullying?
Answer: Cyber bullying is sending messages or images that are upsetting online, which may be to your PC or to your phone and may include pictures, text, phone calls and hits on your social networking profile.
Question: Can I use my phone to download music?
Answer: Be aware that you could be breaking the law and could face consequences. If you share music, film or TV, on a file-sharing network, download from an illegal site, or sell copies without the permission of those who own the copyright, then you could be breaking the law and could face serious penalties.
For advice on staying safe online, visit
MEIC is the helpline service for children and young people up to the age of 25 in Wales.
0808 80 23456
Calls are free from most landlines.
Calls from mobiles may be charged depending on your network.
If you need help, phone ChildLine on
0800 1111
Calls are free from most mobiles and landlines.
Your call will not show up on the bill.