Students launch cyberbullying awareness campaign
A cyberbullying awareness campaign - called 'Think Before You Type' - was launched by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) at its annual congress in Ballinasloe yesterday (Thursday).
The campaign was prompted by an increasing number of reports from students affected by cyberbullying.
It is being run in partnership with NUS-USI, the National Youth Council of Ireland, Headstrong, SpunOut.ie, Headsup.ie and Reachout.com.
This coalition of youth organisations have agreed that cyberbullying must be addressed at a national level and has become an issue of grave concern for many young people.
The new guide, which includes tips on internet etiquette, advice on how to deal with cyberbullying, and information on support services, can be found here: http://issuu.com/theusi/docs/cyber_bullying_guide_2
The USI's vice president for welfare, Denise McCarthy, commented: 'Social media is designed to bring people together, but when it's used to exclude and target people the effects can be devastating.
'Welfare officers around the country report an increasing number of students citing incidents of harassment and online abuse. Many students are unaware of the support services available to them and how to go about reporting it.
'USI, in partnership with Ireland's major youth organisations, will raise awareness of the issue and hopefully curtail this worrying trend. I am delighted that Congress has approved our policy on this matter and I'm confident that it will inform our attitudes and actions on this issue over the coming years.'