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Frances Fitzgerald TD., Minister for Children & Youth Affairs has today attended the Anti-Bullying Forum, a joint initiative of the Minster for Education & Skills and the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs

Addressing the Forum, Minister Fitzgerald highlighted the rise of cyber-bullying given the predominance of new technologies in our children’s lives from smart-phones to social networking to interactive gaming.

The Minister stated: “new technologies have opened a world of opportunity for our young people. New technologies bring new challenges and new threats. We have seen how some social media sites have regrettably become a forum for hatred and an avenue for the viral spread of personal abuse.

“We have seen how some young people inadvertently become targets through their over-sharing of information.

“We have seen how lives have been destroyed by cyber-bullying. The disturbing findings from research tell us that one in four girls and one in six boys in Ireland have been involved in cyber-bullying either as a victim, bully or both. The ‘Growing Up in Ireland’ study highlights how over 24% of 9 to 17 year olds have reported been bullied.

“We must begin to stand up to this most insidious issue which is far too common in children’s experiences in Ireland today. “

Ends.

Notes for Editors:

o Today’s Forum features a range of speakers including experts in the field of bullying, NGOs such as the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, BeLong To, the National Anti-Bullying Coalition and others from the school sector, such as students, principals, teachers, and parents.