Denis Naughten
Question:822. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the plans, if any, he has to outlaw the practice of cyber bullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48566/12]
View answerTuesday, 6 November 2012
Questions (822)
Written answers
"Cyberbullying" is the term used to describe bullying where it is carried out using the internet, mobile phones or other technological devices. The Deputy will appreciate that, in view of the volume of transactions using such devices as well as the global nature of communication by these means, the authorities would find it impossible to enforce a prohibition on the use of equipment for such purposes (assuming, of course, that a prohibition of such a kind was legally or constitutionally permissible). Nevertheless, bullying in any form may amount to an assault or harassment and may therefore be an offence under the Non Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997, as amended, or under the Post Office (Amendment) Act 1951, as amended. I therefore urge any one subjected to bullying of whatever variety to contact the Gardaí.
Assistance is available from a number of sources to help those affected by cyberbullying. The Safer Internet Ireland project is coordinated by the Office for Internet Safety in my Department. The body now called Technology in Education under the remit of the Professional Development service for Teachers (formerly known as the National Centre for Technology in Education) participates in the project. It operates www.webwise.ie which provides advice and information to parents and teachers.
The ISPCC and the National Parents Council (Primary) also participate. Both organisations offer assistance through their confidential telephone helplines on how to deal with cyberbullying. the Office for Internet Safety itself supplies very useful guides, including "A Parents Guide to Social Networking Sites" and "A Guide to Cyberbullying".