Cyber bullying is a very real form of bullying and can be a “terrifying” experience for a child or adult, local election candidate in Galway City Central, Imelda Byrne, said this week.
The head of the Access Programmes at NUI Galway, Ms Byrne has significant expertise in this area. “Having spent my career in the education sector working with both young people and adults, I have seen firs-thand the damage that cyber bullying can cause.”
“This is why I have published a ‘Parents Guide to Cyber Safety’, spelling out what it is, how parents can recognise the signs, and ultimately protect their children.
“In this digital era children and particularly teenagers are widely exposed to cyber bullying. It is a silent predator and my leaflet helps shatter that silence by showing parents, teachers, and guardians what signs to look out for,” she said.
Her publication, as well as giving practical pointers to parents, also focuses on specific areas, including things parents need to know about Facebook for children as well as Snapchat; Tinder for teens, as well as a detailed glossary of text talk and terms parents need to know.
“I have also included a helpline directory of contacts for organisations that can help with any queries parents may have. This is a stressful time for our young people. While concentrating on exams and their aftermath, they don’t need the extra anxiety of potential or actual cyber bullying.
“I urge all parents, teachers, and guardians to read this leaflet and be cyber bullying aware.” To access the leaflet go on to Imelda Byrne’s Facebook page.
