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The CyberMentors programme is a variation on a proven and evidence based theme. CyberMentors work with their peers in a virtual environment, supporting, assisting and mentoring their peers to ensure they are safe and can report cyberbullying (committed via social networking sites, by mobile phones etc), online, by phone or SMS.
CyberMentors comprise an army of young people working to keep their peers and friends safe with the anti-bullying and cyber safety sector delivering first-class advice, reporting and referral mechanisms to support each other.
Together with the anti-bullying and web safe sectors, thousands of young CyberMentors can be trained and tooled up to spread the cyber safe word. They are trained on and offline to have the credentials, skills and the confidence to act as mentors and guides to young people they meet online when chatting, surfing and just generally having fun.
Designed by young people for young people, the emphasis is on peer to peer support and assistance and not adults or authority figures policing the net. Although strict child safety mechanisms are embedded in the process to ensure that inappropriate, bullying or predatory behaviour is safely reported.
It allows the experts to deliver on behalf of the sector - providing a sector wide consensus and commitment whilst allowing the experts in this area take responsibility for delivering the intervention, support and assistance to young people.
The programme focuses on a standalone CyberMentors web site. This is where users can find a Cybermentor and discover how they can become one themselves. The central website links directly to all the CyberMentors’ individual profiles on social networking sites. The site carries the logos of participating social networking services and of the not-for-profit service providers. Crucially it also carries extensive downloadable information, trainings, e-mentoring, e-learning and help packages as well as educational resources produced by all partners.
CyberMentors will not be paid but will receive free music downloads, prizes, money-can’t-buy-stuff, free phone/text cards and so on, as a thank you from the sector.
Young people are only part of the CyberMentors Programme. Every CyberMentor has a point of contact back at CyberMentors HQ. These are be fully trained professional counsellors who are available exclusively to the CyberMentors 24/7 both online and on the telephone. This online helpline is run by the child protection sector to provide continuous advice, support and referral.
CyberMentors soft launches in April 2008.
Find out more about CyberMentors
