New site bids to curb internet bullying scourge

TEENAGERS are making use of a Government-sponsored website in a bid to help others who have been abused or humiliated through the internet.

The ability of technology to be used as a tool for bullying or posting embarrassing pictures has been a subject of concern to parents, teachers and students themselves in recent years. But while there have been calls from some quarters to shut down some of these social networking sites, or have tighter regulations, these actions are not possible.

The Watch Your Space site launched by Education Minister Mary Hanafin yesterday takes account of the effects some of these forums can have on young people and offers tips from peers on how to deal with them.