'Beware of cyber bullies' [thecorknews.ie]
- Published: 14 October 2011
Every Irish parent needs to learn how to use social networking sites such as Facebook, if cyber-bullying is to be stamped out in the classroom.
That's the message from a leading parents' organisation, which has called on technophobic adults to become computer-literate to protect their children. Studies have revealed that 31 per cent of primary school pupils and 16 per cent of secondary students have been bullied at some time, while 23 per cent of 200,000 children are at risk or become bullying victims.
But whereas physical aggression is the least prevalent form of intimidation in Irish classrooms, cyber-bullying - where victims are abused by web pages, emails and text messaging - is now the most widespread and hardest to control.
Worryingly, experts from Trinity College's anti-bullying centre have conceded that "there is no such thing as a bully-free school". However, the National Parents' Council (post primary) believes kids could be protected from their tormentors, if their parents knew how to check the messages they are receiving online.
Full Story: www.thecorknews.ie
