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<p>The Department for Education does not collect data on incidents of sexting among
pupils. All schools in England are required, by law, to have a behaviour policy which
includes measures to tackle bullying, including cyberbullying which covers sexting.
We have not produced specific advice on sexting but we have issued clear and succinct
advice to schools on preventing and tackling bullying, including cyberbullying. This
information is published online at:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preventing-and-tackling-bullying"
target="_blank">www.gov.uk/government/publications/preventing-and-tackling-bullying</a></p><p>Certain
instances of bullying, harassment and threatening behaviour, including the sharing
of indecent images should be reported to the police. This is made clear in our advice
to schools. Good schools create an ethos where bullying, including cyberbullying and
sexting do not happen in the first place, and they deal with it promptly if it does
occur to ensure the victim does not suffer continuing distress.</p><p>From September
2014, e-safety is being taught at all four key stages of the curriculum in England.
It covers responsible, respectful and secure use of technology, as well as ensuring
that pupils are taught age-appropriate ways of reporting any concerns they may have
about what they see or encounter online.</p><p>Children and young people are being
taught about the different and escalating risks they may encounter as they get older
(initially relating to online content, then to the conduct of and contact with others,
which can include sexting).</p><p>Schools can help to contain cyber-bullying and sexting
during the school day by banning or limiting the use of mobile phones and other electronic
devices. Search powers included in the Education Act 2011 have given teachers the
power to search for, and if necessary delete, inappropriate images (or files) on electronic
devices, including mobile phones.</p><p>Ofsted now holds schools clearly to account
for how well they deal with behaviour and bullying. Since January 2012, inspectors
must consider pupils’ freedom from bullying, including cyberbullying, harassment and
discrimination. In January 2014, Ofsted produced briefing for inspectors when considering
e-safety in schools. This makes clear that school inspectors should consider the schools’
ability to protect and educate pupils in their use of technology.</p>
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