Month: August 2014

‘New laws needed to combat cyberbully threat’ [Sunday Independent, by Sarah Slater, 31/8/2014 ].

A recent survey by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals found incidences of cyberbullying had increased by a third from last year.

Up to 14pc of students who took part in the recent first national study into bullying have admitted they have been cyberbullied.Researchers from the Anti- Bullying Centre at Dublin City University (DCU) have found that another 8pc admitted to cyberbullying others. A further 39pc of girls and 30pc of boys reported that they had witnessed someone being cyberbullied.The study involved a group of 2,700 students, aged from between 12 and 16, in eight post-primary schools late last year.David Fagan, a solicitor and health and safety law expert, said he believed it would take a “horrific case” of bulling or cyberbullying before the State would implement new legislation around the issue.”There is no specific legislation here which deals with this issue.”Bullying and cyberbullying need to be defined and penalties around such need to urgently be introduced here,” said Mr Fagan.  “Even schools and teachers don’t seem to realise how they could not be covered by appropriate legislation when it comes to dealing with this issue. We are way behind other countries when it comes to this worrying issue.”Mr Fagan was speaking ahead of the first-ever national conference on cyberbullying, which is being held at Dublin Castle on Monday by the Bully4U organisation and the Anti Bullying Centre at DCU.The conference aims at educating and empowering parents, teachers and health professionals in providing support to victims and developing cyberbullying prevention and intervention strategies.There will be an international line-up including spokespeople from Facebook, Twitter and controversial site Ask.FM.Jim Harding, founder of Bully4U, a group which visits Irish schools to provide training on the issue, added: “Identifying threats and trends around cyberbullying is so important. We need to equip professionals at the coal face to understand and manage this cyberbullying epidemic in our schools, and clubs.”Specific recommendations to policy and decision makers at EU and government level have to happen now.”

Cyberbullying ‘at risk of spiralling out of control’ with 33pc rise in one year. [Irish Independent, by Sarah Slater, 31/8/2014].

A recent survey by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals found 16pc of Irish students have experienced bullying online – which is a 33pc increase on last year.

Researchers from the Anti- Bullying Centre at DCU have found that another 8pc admitted to cyberbullying others.

The study was carried out on a group of 2,700 students aged from between 12 and 16 in eight post primary schools late last year.

A further 39pc of girls and 30pc of boys reported that they had witnessed someone being cyberbullied.

Incidence of school bullying was brought into focus when Irish student Phoebe Prince took her own life in America after bullying by other students.

David Fagan, a health and safety law expert believes it will take a “horrific case” of bulling or cyberbullying before the Irish State will implement new legislation around the issue.

“There is no specific legislation here which deals with this issue. Bullying and cyberbullying need to be defined, and penalties around such need to urgently be introduced here,” Mr Fagan said.

“There is all sorts of legislation here, such as the Children’s Act and Education Act, but the State doesn’t recognise bullying as a concept. Here, you have to bring a personal injury case against someone which doesn’t specify bullying.

“Even schools and teachers don’t seem to realise how they could not be covered by appropriate legislation when it comes to dealing with this issue.

“We are way behind other countries when it comes to this worrying issue. There was one case here which was brought under the Post Office Amendment Act of 1951 around one site and the use of a telephone.

“But that legislation is so old. It is nuts that we are using archaic law. The law around this issue is based in the Stone Age and has not kept apace.”

Mr Fagan was speaking ahead of the first national conference on cyberbullying, which is being held at Dublin Castle on Monday by the Bully4U organisation and the Anti-Bullying Centre at Dublin City University.

The conference aims at educating and empowering parents, teachers and health professionals in providing support to victims and developing cyberbullying prevention and intervention strategies.

There will be international speakers attending, including spokespeople from Facebook, Twitter and ASK.FM.

Jim Harding, the founder of Bully4U which visits schools nationwide to provide training on the issue to schools, added: “Identifying threats and trends around cyberbullying is so important.

“We need to equip professionals at the coalface to ‘understand and manage this cyberbullying epidemic in our schools, clubs and digital playgrounds.”

 

Overhaul of law around cyber-bullying urged. [Irish Examiner, by Sarah Slater, 30/8/2014].

A recent survey by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals found 16% of Irish students have experienced bullying online — a 33% increase on last year.

Up to 14% of students who took part in the recent first national study into bullying have admitted they have been cyber-bullied.

Researchers from the Anti-Bullying Centre at DCU have found that another 8% admitted to cyber-bullying others.

The study was carried out on a group of 2,700 students, aged from between 12 and 16, in eight post-primary schools late last year.

A further 39% of girls and 30% of boys reported that they had witnessed someone being cyber-bullied.

David Fagan, a health and safety law expert, believes it will take a “horrific case” of bulling or cyber-bullying before the State will implement new legislation around the issue.

“There is no specific legislation here which deals with this issue. Bullying and cyber-bullying need to be defined and penalties around such need to urgently be introduced here,” said Mr Fagan.

“There is all sorts of legislation here, such as the Children’s Act and Education Act, but the State doesn’t recognise bullying as a concept. Here you have to bring a personal injury case against someone which doesn’t specify bullying.

“Even schools and teachers don’t seem to realise how they could not be covered by appropriate legislation when it comes to dealing with this issue.

“We are way behind other countries when it comes to this worrying `issue. There was one case here which was brought under the Post Office Amendment Act of 1951 around one site and the use of telephone.

“But that legislation is so old. It is nuts that we are using archaic law. The law around this issue is based in the Stone Age and has not kept pace.”

Mr Fagan is speaking ahead of the first ever national conference on cyber-bullying, which is being held at Dublin Castle on Monday by the Bully4U organisation and the Anti Bullying Centre at Dublin City University (DCU).

The conference aims at educating and empowering parents, teachers and health professionals in providing support to victims and developing cyber-bullying prevention and intervention strategies.

There will be an international speaker line-up, including spokespeople from Facebook, Twitter and ASK.FM.

Jim Harding, founder of Bully4U which visits schools nationwide to provide training on the issue to schools, added: “Identifying threats and trends around cyber-bullying is so important.

“We need to equip professionals at the coal face to ‘understand and manage this cyber-bullying epidemic in our schools, clubs and digital playgrounds.

“An exchange of best practice about recognition, monitoring and prevention of harmful on-line communication and cyber-bullying, especially in schools and families in so badly needed.

“Specific recommendations to policy and decision makers at EU and government level has to happen now.”

Recent feedback from training provided to Northern Ireland Social work and Social care staff on Bullying, Cyber Bullying, Sexting and Self-Harm.

The following is some of the feedback we received after providing training on Bullying, Cyber Bullying, Sexting and Self-Harm to ‘Western Trust’, Northern Ireland Social work and Social care staff from CAMHS, ASD Team, Children’s Disability Programmes and open to other staff in family and childcare: Gateway, FIS, LAC, Adoption and Fostering, Residential, 16 Plus etc. ;

” Excellent facilitation. Very clear, concise and useful examples to illustrate points.”

“Very good training. The trainers were brilliant. Real life experience with a broad range of training with children/ adolescents”.

“Delivered and presented very well. Both trainers have a wealth of knowledge”.

“This training should be provided to education staff, parents, carers and foster carers”.

“Excellent passionate speakers who have lots of knowledge”.

“Excellent delivery of information. A lot of relevant information with discussion and examples from both trainers / others from the group”.

” Lovely relaxed style. Talking / listening dialogue. Having attended so much training over the years – I enjoy this style of informal, conversational best rather than ‘exercises’ “.

” Very informative. Very good delivery of material and information”.

” Very detailed presentation with lots of applicable examples. People were invited into the conversation freely. Very knowledgeable and applied it to the different professionals at the training”.

“Created more awareness for me around the signs and symptoms of cyber bullying”.

“I think it would be very helpful for other members of my team to attend this training”.

” Course would be very beneficial in our ‘Northern Schools’ and within team settings in work places”.

“Would encourage my local schools to invite ‘Bully 4u’ to speak to primary and secondary school pupils”.

” Extremely good – no jargon. Appropriate for all FIS staff “.

” Lots of useful tools to be used and shared, such as information on self-harm and bullying policies. Information continually interesting “.

” Relaxed, enjoyable and interesting, with a lot of little personal stories. Strongly suggest that team leaders and trainers attend this training – possibility of making it mandatory “.

” The training gave me more knowledge and tips how to communicate better with the young people. I will encourage staff to apply for this training and implement this into their work “.

” Very informative. Good information provided that can be applied to practise. Very interactive. Brilliant presentation and presenters “.

” Excellent. Easy to listen to, informal and interesting. Real life experiences very powerful. Found creative ideas very interesting. Would be useful for training to be delivered to parents and schools in N.I. “.

Sexual Bullying, A Guide Released Today By NoBullying [PRWeb, 22/08/2014]

NoBullying releases today a complete guide to Sexual Bullying.

Recent research defines sexual bullying as “Any bullying behavior, whether physical or non-physical, that is based on a person’s sexuality or gender. It is when sexuality or gender is used as a weapon by boys or girls towards other boys or girls – although it is more commonly directed at girls. It can be carried out to a person’s face, behind their back or through the use of technology.”

The guide lists the methods of sexual bullying that include gossip, teasing, cyber bullying and attacks and intimidation.

Sex bullying can be more dangerous in nature because it is often “invisible” to those around. Sexual bullying leaves mental scars so physical injury and evidence of the bullying is not visible. However, it can often lead to sexual harassment and sexual assault.

The guide also explores the reasons behind sexual bullying such as improving social status at school, among groups and peers, jealousy and a desperate need for attention.

Self Harm stories also reveal that one of the underlying reasons for cutting is actually being a victim of sexual bullying or child abuse.

It is worth noting that a lot of cases of sexual bullying are related to feelings of low self esteem and inadequacy as well as the media influence on children growing up.

The effects of sexual bullying and the many ways it can occur are both devastating and often reside right below the surface of social interaction amongst teenagers. Parents that become aware of sexual bullying, whether in their own children or others, should make the teacher or other adult in charge of situations in the vicinity of where the bullying is occurring.

When it comes to disciplining children, it is essential for parents and educators to have an ongoing open line of communication with teens about their sexuality and how to express their sexual feelings and desires in the right channel instead of bullying an innocent victim as a proof of sexual maturity.

It is essential for parents to talk to children about their sexuality.

Ciaran Connolly, Co-Founder of NoBullying.com, said “Sexual bullying is a new trend rising out of several factors. It is essential for parents to talk to children about their sexuality. Caregivers need to be reminded of how the media is telling their children how to behave sexually instead of them.”

He added that parents and teachers should make a point to educate the younger generations about the sad outcome of bullying online and offline. According to Mulligan, it is quite imperative to press for more firm laws condemning all acts of bullying and harassment.

NoBullying.com features many pages dedicated to parents, teens, teachers, health professionals as well as posts related to cyber safety and the latest news about law making concerning curbing Bullying worldwide as well as inspirational Bullying Poems and famous Bullying Quotes.

The website regularly updates its bullying statistics and cyber bullying statistics as it is essential to understand how widespread the bullying epidemic is. It also regularly runs cyber bullying surveys and questionnaires to get recent updated statistics on everything related to cyberbullying.

He also added that anyone suffering from bullying in any form or way can always find advice and help on the NoBullying website – but if anyone is suffering from severe bullying or cyber bullying, the best thing is to talk to someone locally – a parent, teacher or local organization that has been set up to help with specialized councilors to deal with this topic.

The prevalence and impact of bullying linked to social media on the mental health and suicidal behaviour among young people [Helen Gleeson (PhD), march 2014]

The Department of Education and Skills (DES) and the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention commissioned the following literature review to be completed in fulfilment of Action 11 of the Action Plan on Bullying (Dept. of Education and Skills, 2013)

 http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Education-Reports/The-Prevalence-and-Impact-of-Bullying-linked-to-Social-Media-on-the-Mental-Health-and-Suicidal-Behaviuor-Among-Young-People.pdf

 

 

 

Back to School: Tips for dealing with anxiety, online grades and bullying [ abc7 Chicago, by Dr. Tiffany Sanders, 20/08/2014 ]

BACK-TO-SCHOOL ANXIETY
Students often feel anxious when they return to school. They worry about grades, their looks, getting into the top school and whether their friends like them. Anxiety in school can be normal, however it can feel very uncomfortable.

Encourage your child/teen to share their worries.

Don’t negate the worries they have by saying, “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

Problem solve to reduce and manage the worries. Preferably say things like, “Let’s think of some ways you could handle that situation.”

ONLINE GRADES: MORE ACCESS, MORE STRESS
With the advent of Power School, parents can regularly check online grades and attendance, which can assure completion of the work and a successful school year. However, parents and children can obsess over the data, which can increase anxiety in both parent and child.

Balance the amount of time you spend checking PowerSchool. Don’t excessively check grades 4 or 5 times a day. Understand that although it gives real time access, it may not be the most up to date.

Check with the teacher as to when the grades are likely to be recorded and reflected in Power School. If they are updated twice a week, let that be the day when you monitor the “grades.”

If you find out the child didn’t perform well on an assignment, don’t panic. Ask the child what made the test or assignment challenging, and then problem solve ways to do better in the future.

BULLYING
Most kids will experience some form of bullying at school. There are things parents can do to help bully-proof their child.
Don’t promote retaliation, but teach your kid using roll play, how to stand up to the bully with confidence and humor.

Teach your child how not to reward the bully with tears, frustration and anger. It will only reinforce to the bully how to taunt you.

Inform the child’s teacher or a school administrator about the bullying so they can monitor the situation and apply discipline as necessary.

‘Bird of the Day’ Facebook pages encourage cyber-bullying, says Irish university. [ The Cambridge Student, by Larissa Kennelly, 15/11/2013 ].

The pages, which encourage other students to ‘rate’ or comment upon the attractiveness of the pictured female, have sparked complaints of cyber-bullying and concerns that such pages promote sexist attitudes.

In response to complaints over the content of one such page featuring their name, ‘UCC Bird of the Day’ University College Cork (UCC) contacted Facebook to ask that pages of this nature attempting to affiliate themselves with the university be taken down.

UCC stated on their Facebook page that they were “aware of several Facebook pages that claim to represent UCC and which in many cases contain hurtful or defamatory comments targeted at students and/or members of staff… we strongly condemn them.” The post also included information on support networks available to students that had been affected by content on the pages.

The University’s public condemnation of these pages has attracted national attention in Ireland as other universities began to follow suit, and request that these pages be shut down.

Tom McCarthy, Media and Public Relations Officer at UCC, told The Cambridge Student about the positive impact of the university’s decision: “Indeed it has encouraged others to do [the] same in various universities and it is great to see it has started a conversation around the topic, as this is an unfortunate reality, thankfully in the minority, of the digital world that is not going away.”

However, Dave Berry, UCC Student Welfare Officer, reported that students complaining about the content of pages such as ‘Bird of the Day’ were being subjected to further bullying and intimidation as a result. He said, “The worrying thing is that students who have talked up [sic] against the page, or even our own staff, have been ridiculed or bullied afterwards.”

The student union at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) – another  institution that has seen similar pages appear in its name – has also spoken out against the phenomenon. President of GMIT Student Union, Sam O’Neill, said, “These pages have on many occasions encouraged other students and the general public to make comments on individual student’s looks, clothes and their circumstances.

“The issue of cyber-bullying has once again raised its ugly head here, as these comments could potentially have a seriously negative affect on student’s mental health. We would urge students to think before they post, and to be more conscious of the privacy settings of their social media pages (thus preventing non-friends from sharing their content), and to report incidents to Facebook where they feel cyber bullying has occurred.”

Despite the serious criticism such pages have sparked, ‘Bird of the Day’ pages featuring the names of universities such as University of Limerick (UL) and Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) are still in operation at the time of writing.