Around one in ten teenagers in Ireland have fallen victim to bullying conducted via the internet or through their mobile phone, new research has found.

A study conducted by Cork Institute of Technology revealed almost half of students questioned were aware of the activity taking place, the Irish Independent stated.

The report's author Shane Kearney, who is an official with Quinn Healthcare, said it is therefore vital parents are aware of their children's online and mobile phone usage.

"It is imperative from a monitoring perspective that parents become knowledgeable and keep up-to-date and fully informed so they know what their children might be experiencing," he stated.

The study found three-quarters of victims were users of social network sites, while a third said they found picture messaging through their phones the most upsetting form of cyber-bullying.

Recently, celebrities including Saoirse Ronan, Jedward and Louis Walsh participated in an anti-bullying campaign that was organised with the help of Westlife member and ambassador for the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Mark Feehilly.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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