Three-quarters of teachers believe that social media etiquette and ethics should be taught in schools, a poll has found.

But only a third say that they actually offer these lessons in their schools, according to the poll of 725 teachers, weighted to provide a representative sample of the profession.

The research included a separate poll of 1,041 children between the ages of six and 17, which found that more than a quarter – 26 per cent – admitted to having lied on social media within the last six months.

In recognition of this problem, 72 per cent of teachers said that social media etiquette and ethics should be taught in schools. This is greater than the proportion of teachers – 58 per cent – who believe that it is important to teach coding or computer programming.

However, only 36 per cent said that their schools currently deliver such lessons, while 43 per cent offer lessons in coding.

'Negative aspects'

The research also found that 37 per cent of pupils felt pressure to impress friends and followers online.

Fifty-nine per cent said that they knew someone who had been bullied online, and 20 per cent said that they had been a victim of online bullying. One in seven – 14 per cent – said social media has had an adverse effect on their health.

The research was commissioned by technology company Nominet. Russell Haworth, Nominet chief executive, said: “We can’t ignore the negative aspects that plague many of young people’s interactions online, and which in some cases even cause mental health issues.”

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