Demand for cyberbulling info ‘through the roof’

A service which provides information on cyberbullying says it is struggling to keep up with demand for its services since the suicide of teenager Erin Gallagher.

The Donegal Youth Service (DYS) has been called to dozens of schools since the 13 year old took her own life two weeks ago.

The group has given 10 seminars on cyberbullying in secondary schools in recent days and 30 more are scheduled.

Gareth Gibson, youth information officer with DYS, says: “We have been delivering this seminar for quite a while but since the tragic events of recent weeks the demand has really gone through the roof.

“In recent weeks the demand for our work in this area has come from all areas of the county from Buncrana to Raphoe and even out to Arranmore Island.

“There has been a huge demand and uptake for us to get someone to come and talk to pupils, and indeed parents, on this issue.”

Mr Gibson said a recent survey of 500 young people on needs analysis showed how important it is to get information on safe use of the internet out there.

“Cyberbullying information and advice on dealing with internet use came out top again and again at a range of different age groups, which highlights the need for all schools and youth groups to really engage wit this topic.”