Jess Casey: Covid-19 blurred the lines between school and cyberbullying

Gone are the days when children could leave the bullies behind in the schoolyard, as they can now be targeted online 24/7, writes Jess Casey

Research carried out by the National Anti-Bullying Research Centre on the online experiences of Irish children between the age of 10 and 18 found that almost three in ten were the target of cyberbullying during the lockdown, and 50% had seen others being cyberbullied. Picture: iStock

Despite increasing awareness, and more sophisticated research, bullying remains a challenge for schools across the country in 2020 the same as it ever was, except now it’s moved online as well.

Its harmful effects are well documented through research; Students who are frequently bullied are nearly three times more likely to feel like an outsider, and more than twice as likely to miss school.