YouTube et al told to tackle cyber bullies

Video-sharing sites such as YouTube have a "social responsibility and moral obligation" to stop the online harassment of teachers, according to a government minister.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson said the providers of video-sharing sites need to take firmer action to block or remove offensive school videos in the same way pornographic content has been cut from such sites.

Speaking at a conference for the NASUWT (National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers), Johnson said: "New powers allow teachers to confiscate mobile phones which film them maliciously but I believe there is a wider responsibility upon the providers of the sites which broadcast this material."

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Johnson added: "The online harassment of teachers is causing some to consider leaving the profession because of the defamation and humiliation they are forced to suffer."

The Department for Education and Skills announced new powers for teachers earlier this month to allow them to confiscate mobile phones from pupils using them in a "malicious or disruptive way".