Important message from the Chairman:
Dear Parent
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
