As Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, I am committed to working with colleagues in Government to ensure that integrated policy responses to combat bullying are high on our agenda. I do not have specific legislative responsibilities in this area. Where a crime may have been committed it falls to An Garda Síochána to investigate. The Department of Justice and Equality also has responsibility for the Office for Internet Safety which takes a lead responsibility for internet safety in Ireland, particularly as it relates to children.
The Action Plan on Bullying is being led by the Department of Education and Skills. National anti-bullying procedures place a requirement on schools to record, investigate and address incidences of bullying and cyber-bullying, both in and out of school. The procedures highlight the need for parents and young people to understand how to protect themselves at home, in school, or in the community.
The Minister for Communications Energy & Natural Resources recently published the Report of the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group and announced the establishment of an implementation group to be chaired by his Department to oversee consideration of the report’s recommendations including on issues to do with bullying and harassment on line.
There are a range of support services in place to support children and young people who are coping with bullying situations. Webwise.ie, a Department of Education and Skills initiative, provides information for parents and teachers about the risks involved and how to protect children against cyber-bullying. Many of the youth services, funded by my Department, provide services to address bullying issues, increase awareness about internet safety and social media and to promote young people’s wellbeing.
Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children provides that serious incidents of bullying should be reported to the Child and Family Agency. Following assessment and where required, appropriate support will be put in place. In addition to support for the family and the child which can be provided by the Child and Family Agency in relation to serious incidents, there are also a range of services provided by the HSE, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health services which may be relevant depending on the nature of the condition being experienced by a child. Services provided by the HSE fall within the remit of the Minister for Health.
I can assure the Deputy that my Government colleagues and I are actively engaged in addressing the issues raised, as is evident in the Action Plan for Bullying and the very recently launched Report of the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group.
