ISPCC aims to tackle online bullying

A campaign on the dangers of cyberbullying warns children that “words can hurt, choose them wisely”.

The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) has launched a week-long campaign, running until Sunday, highlighting how cyberbullying is a modern challenge not only facing children, but parents as well.

Unlike traditional bullying, the ISPCC points out that, with online bullying, a much wider audience is reached within seconds and the messages can be permanent.

An additional aspect of cyberbullying is the fact that children now spend so much time online. As a result, a young person experiencing cyberbullying can often feel that there is no escape from the attacks. The internet also offers a veil of anonymity to bullies, with victims unsure of who is targeting them.

The ISPCC has advised young people that the key to addressing cyberbullying is to be mindful of what you post online and the impact it may have on someone else.

The group said it continually encourages and educates young people to be mindful and to think of other people’s feelings before they post anything online.

However, it said this must be replicated by adults as they can have a powerful influence on what children and young people do.

ISPCC national anti-bullying co-ordinator Sinead McKee said adults must lead appropriate behaviour online. “We must recognise that the behaviour of adults online is powerfully influencing younger generations,” she said, adding that the campaign“

is targeting not just children and young people but it is also asking adults to be mindful before they engage with others online”.

“As adults we can say things online or via social messenger apps that we would never say face to face. We cannot expect our children to be more empathetic and mindful if we are not.”