A Third Of School Children Have Experienced Cyber Bullying

Tuesday, 8 February 2022 13:02

By Caoimhe Harney

Children aged 8-12

A new survey's found nearly a third of 8 to 12 year olds have experienced some form of online bullying.

Being left out of group chats on social media and receiving hurtful messages are the most common forms of cyber bullying.

Almost a third have kept it to themselves, with boys less likely to tell a trusted adult.

The Department of Education says there are plans to provide teachers with more training to tackle cyberbullying in schools.

It says an online course for teachers is being planned for this year on the issue of cyber bullying.

CEO of Cyber Safe Kids, Alex Cooney commented: "Phones are computers in your pocket with access at any time of the day.

"The key thing is, to ensure that parents feel supported and informed.

"We need public awareness campaigns, sometimes parents feel pressured into allowing online games or mobile phones.

"It's incredibly difficult not to moved by the stories that we hear.

"Often the reason we go into schools is because of cyberbullying.

"Cyber awareness needs to be as important as reading and writing.

"We are calling on the Education Minister to make this training mandatory and a priority," she insisted.

"Online forms of bullying are persistent and can take place 24 hours a day," she added.

The topic will also be be considered as part of a review taking place into the government's Action Plan on Bullying.

Alex Cooney, CEO of Cyber Safe Kids, says online safety needs to be a core part of the school curriculum.

Alex spoke with Ciara Noble on Tuesday's Kildare Focus: