According to new statistics released by children’s organisation Childline, the equivalent of a classroom full of children is being bullied every day in Ireland.
Indeed, the ISPCC-run organisation revealed that 23 young people contact their helpline each day during school holidays, sharing sad and frightening tales of bullying and exclusion.
Needless to say, cyber-bullying has emerged as one of the most common forms of bullying, with ISPCC's CEO Grainia Long issuing a warning to parents to be vigilant.
“Cyber-bullying is a distinct and serious form of bullying. The fact that many children have constant access to technology means that bullying online can be pervasive – entering a child’s home, and often with no let up,” she said.
The organisation has released the alarming statistics in the run-up to the Easter holidays, during which time children will have more time on their hands to spend online.
Urging parents to play their part in stamping out this worrying trend, Ms Long added: “A single message about a child is sometimes repeated by a network of perpetrators, often leaving children feeling deeply isolated…Standing up to bullying is not just for schools – it’s everyone’s business.”
Here are the typical signs of cyber-bullying to look out for.
