This week saw the first ever UNESCO International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School including Cyberbullying take place.
The theme for the International Day in 2020 was Together Against Bullying in School – which was marked on Thursday.
And local Senator Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, who is from Rathangan, believes it has a vert powerful message.
She said: “We have all heard stories from family, friends and neighbours about bullying of all kinds taking place among school-going children.
“According to the latest UNESCO report, almost one in three students have been bullied in the past month, making it the most prevalent form of violence in schools.
“In Europe and North America, psychological bullying is the most prevalent kind and it is often the most difficult to address.
“One in ten students has been cyberbullied, and this form of bullying is on the rise across social media apps platforms and games like Roblox, Tiktok, Fortnite and the like.
“Bullying by exclusion happens in Whatsapp groups and gaming rooms among Irish teens who rank in EU’s Top 10 for cyberbullying and overuse of social media.
“The number is significantly higher for girls with 24% saying they have experienced cyberbullying compared to 12% for boys.
“The negative effects of bullying include insomnia, mental health issues including suicidal ideation, absenteeism from school, poorer educational outcomes and lower educational attainment.
“A child’s entire quality of life is affected by bullying and any kind of school related bullying is an infringement on a child’s right to an education.
“Bullying used to be considered an unfortunate but inevitable part of childhood but we now know that bullying should never be considered an accepted part of the growing up process.”
Senator O’Loughlin also emphasised the importance of identifying the perpetrator of the bullying and giving them support and help in changing behaviours.
She said: “Research shows that bullying hurts both the victim and the perpetrator and both need help.
“Teaching empathy to children is vital as children do not mistreat those with whom they empathise. Some children will naturally show empathy whereas others need to be educated about it.
“Parents need to be aware of the anti-bullying policy in their children’s schools and should discuss its contents at home.
“For further support, parents can consult the tacklebullying.ie website.”
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