Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using technology. Whether on social media sites, through a mobile phone, or gaming sites, the effects can be devastating for the young person involved. By its very nature, cyberbullying tends to involve a number of online bystanders and can quickly spiral out of control.

Children and young people who bully others online do not need to be physically stronger and their methods can often be hidden and subtle. Young people routinely access social media and much of their social lives are online. This can create a false sense of security; for example chatting online feels different from chatting face to face. It can be easier to say and reveal things that wouldn’t be said face to face; be cruel, aggressive or flirtatious. It is important for young people to remember that there are offline consequences to online behaviour. We also know that increasingly younger children are signing up to social network sites and may not have the maturity to handle their online identity in a safe and responsible way.

Parents have a challenging job. You need to know what your children are doing online and also help them to do it in a safe way. Asking their child simply not to use technology is not a realistic way to prevent or react to cyberbullyin

On Monday the 15^thof January we have Zeeko coming in to our school. Zeeko is an Irish company who have designed a range of educational seminars and workshops that cater for kids, teachers and parents, to empower them with the knowledge and tools to tackle the digital issues facing internet users today. The children from fourth and fifth classes will be attending cyberbullying workshops in our school during the day.

WHAT – CYBERBULLYING TALK

WHERE- ST DECLAN’S PE HALL                                                            

WHEN- MONDAY 15TH OF JANUARY @ 7PM                                                      

WHO- ALL PARENTS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

We strongly recommend for all parents to attend. This might not be an issue that affects you child/ren currently but it will give you an insight on what to expect for further down the line. It is extremely applicable to parents with children in 3^rd to 6^th classes. We have dealt with a number of cyberbulling issues in school to date and we cannot solve them unless parents are equipped at home with the knowledge of how to deal with such issues appropriately. It is in the long term interest of all parents to teach your children how to stay safe online.                                               

Thank you to the PA who have covered the cost of the workshops and the parents talk. We look forward to a high attendance on the night given the serious nature of the talk.