Deputy Joe McHugh, has said that adults must step up to the plate to help young people tackle teenage cyber bullying.
Deputy McHugh was speaking after a visit to Loreto CS in Milford.
“Discussions that I had with students at Loreto CS were very illuminating. The students were very open about discussing cyber bullying; many in class yesterday had experienced some form of bullying online.
“These teenagers are mature about the issue and they are conscious that there will never be a fool-proof system, but are very eager to start a peer debate on online respect,” he said.
He added that adults must participate in this very necessary debate about confronting vitriolic online exchanges.
“Parents of some of the children whom I met have banned access in the home to some websites and I believe that there is a need for a full debate on this aspect of the problem. There is similarly a very important role for online sites which have a responsibility to show leadership in safeguarding this type of activity on their sites.
“Online participation is central at all levels of our society today. It is up to all of us to decide the rules of engagement. The discussions that I had yesterday at Loreto CS showed that teenagers are clearly aware of the associated cyber bullying problem and are anxious that it be confronted.
“The Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD, held an Anti-Bullying Forum in May 2012, from which he established a Working Group to examine issues related to tackling all forms of bullying in schools.
“I am aware that this Group is examining a range of issues across the country, and that English and Scottish strategies for overcoming bullying have been examined. I asked Minister Quinn about the Group’s work in the Dáil last month, and he confirmed that it will complete its work before the end of 2012.
“The clear message that I wish to relay to Minister Quinn and the Working Group from the students whom I met in Loreto CS yesterday is this: please ensure that tackling cyber bullying is at the top of the agenda.”
Meanwhile MEP, Pat the Cope Gallagher called on EU policymakers “to wake up to the consequences of online bullying”. Mr. Gallagher was speaking during a key debate on protecting children in the digital world held in the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Monday evening.
Following the debate, the European Parliament today approved by a large majority “The Report on Protecting Children in the Digital World” drafted by Italian MEP Silvia Costa.
Mr. Gallagher stated during the debate that “In Ireland, we unfortunately have become all too aware of the terrible consequences of online bullying due to several tragic incidents”.
“The report recognises the risk posed by the internet in terms of online intimidation and bullying.”
“I fully support the recommendation contained in the report which calls for an educational alliance among families, schools and civil society to protect all children on the internet.”
“I also support the need for greater awareness raising initiatives aimed at parents and schools. It is also necessary to introduce the proper mechanisms at school level to support those who have been affected by online bullying.”
“It is vital that we continue to train and educate both parents and teachers to keep them up to speed with new technologies, social networking sites and crucially how young people use them.”
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