A NATIONAL forum on cyber-bullying, to help prevent people from being harassed online, is set to be held in Limerick at the end of September.

As part of Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly’s push to introduce an international campaign against cyber-bullying, the forum on September 27, in Kilmurry Lodge Hotel will be the second of its kind in Ireland.

“It [cyber-bullying] is a very serious challenge for parents, teachers, mental health and youth/community workers. It has fuelled a national and Europe-wide debate on how to best to tackle the issue,” he said.

Mr Kelly said in order to tackle the problem, which affects 1,700 young European citizens annually according to Beat Bullying UK, a variety of organisations from all over the EU should get involved.

“We need to change the behaviour, the attitude and the belief systems that allow bullying to persist in our schools, in our communities and in workplaces in some cases. We cannot allow any more young people to be tortured and negatively impacted in this way anymore.”

As well as constant anti-bullying programmes in schools, the Fine Gael MEP said he wishes to see a day dedicated to raising awareness about the issue.

“I am also strongly advocating for the establishment of an EU Anti-Bullying Day to raise awareness of the issue,”