AN online safety expert from Co Donegal has expressed his shock and heartache at the latest suicide of a young schoolgirl.
Lara Burns, 12, from Kilcock in Co Kildare, was found dead in horse stables at her home at the weekend.
There are claims she was being bullied online.
Her death follows those of Erin Gallagher in Ballybofey last month and Ciara Pugsley in Leitrim in September.
Niall Mulrine, who delivers anti cyber-bullying courses to children, their parents and teachers, said he is in shock over another suicide.
“I was in another school in Co Kilare just two weeks ago delivering talks to children same age as Lara and younger and to parents on the dangers online and I am shocked by the loss of Lara,” said Mr Mulrine.
“Feedback I was getting from the children in the 10-12 age group was scary. I had one particular 10 yr old who had her profile on Facebook set to 42 yrs old, as that was her mothers age.
“Another girl, stopped to speak to a stranger on the street who asked her facebook password. When I asked them if they would be my friend, 90% of said they would only after 5 minutes of addressing them.
“Statistics online are outdated and the feeling I am getting on the ground, is there is less awareness than what the country think our children have?” he asked.
A Facebook tribute page has been set up for the 12-year-old. Her brother Brendan wrote “RIP sis.”
Laura was a student at Maynooth Post Primary School. They said in a statement the school said it was a “terrible tragedy for Lara’s family, our school and our community”.
“We are deeply saddened by these events. Our sympathy and thoughts are with Lara’s family and friends.”
If you like any info for parents/children, check my site http://www.PcClean.ie/InternetSafety
And soon to be launched website http://www.CyberSafetyAdvice.com
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