Despite the publicity, cyberbullying still isn’t discussed in schools

I am writing to you to express my concern about bullying within schools and on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, snapchat etc. I am 14 years old. I think bullying is a topic that is not talked about enough within schools and the public.

When people bully others, it can lead to a lot more than the bully thinks. People can start to have suicidal thoughts, may begin to have depression or even a mental illness.

All this may begin to happen to someone while the bully is just sitting there behind a phone, computer or laptop screen. The person that may be bullying someone may live 100 miles away, in a different country or even have a fake account and they will still manage to bully you.

Cyber bullying is targeted at teenagers aged 14-17 years of age. This is why I think it would be important to become more cyber bully aware in schools, because it can be aimed at the right age people. I also think schools should advise students on what they can and should do if they’re being bullied.

I think schools should have classes to make teenagers aware of this topic, they should be made aware of what to do if they’re being bullied, who to talk to and also have posters up to make them more aware. I also think public talks within the community should be available to advise parents and other adults what to do if they or their children are being bullied.

Sophie O’Sullivan

Knockroe

Ballydehob

Co. Cork