Cyberbullying - Protection is not enough

The decision by Noel Malone, head of Coláiste Chiaráin in Croom, Co Limerick, to suspend 28 pupils over cyberbullying should resonate with every parent.

The event raises many issues most of which have been rehearsed repeatedly. However, one issue raised by this sorry affair may deserve more attention than it gets.

It must be assumed that the great majority of these students are normal, decent people but yet they made the mistake of misusing social media to inflict hurt on an individual. What made them feel free to do this?

Most parents would do all they can to protect their child from cyberbullying but the evidence suggests that not enough have ensured their child understands that is entirely unacceptable to be a cyberbully.