Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is the extreme red card. This was contained in her speech of 11 May and she mentioned that possibility. It might be the equivalent of the black card which is to be introduced by the GAA for cynical behaviour, to be used for the perpetrators of bullying to participate in some form of aggression replacement therapy, together with their families, if necessary. She made the point that cyberbullying was simply an extension of the bullying taking place at any event. It is rampant. She supports the Minister's action plan on bullying and recommends that future definitions of bullying make provision for isolated acts of aggression which have the potential to be repeated over time. On cyberbullying, she notes that Irish children have poor digital skills compared with their European counterparts. Does this make cyberbullying easier and a greater challenge as one seeks to cope with it? She also raises the question of silent witnesses. She said a professionally made DVD intended for use by SPHE teachers had been sent to all second level schools free of charge in 2005. It still has the potential to empower students to take action to discourage bullying and report it, yet my understanding is that it has not been widely used as a teaching resource. In our support of the Minister, perhaps he might ask how that initiative is progressing.

Most studies of bullying report the pitiful level of reporting to staff and the perils of bullying. Therefore, there is a need for those affected to come forward.