Greater vigilance urged on cyber-bully problem [IrishTimes]
- Published: 02 September 2010
A LEADING anti-bullying expert has urged greater vigilance from parents and schools about the growing problem of cyber-bullying, most of which occurs via mobile phone.
Prof Mona O’Moore of the Anti-Bullying Centre at Trinity College Dublin warned that cyber-bullying “must not be treated lightly”, as it can destroy a child or teenager’s social and emotional life.
It could also cause children to dislike school, underperform academically and, in the worst cases, it could lead to self-harm and suicide, she said.
A recent study showed one in four girls and one in six boys here had been involved in cyber-bullying, either as a victim, bully or both.
Most cyber-bullying (57 per cent) is carried out via mobile phone.
Text-messaging is the most common form, with almost one in three girls and 22 per cent of boys reporting having received nasty text messages in and out of school.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
