Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am so happy to have the Minister here and taking part in this topic. After 20 years, he has taken steps with such diligence in his consultation and action plan on bullying. There is nothing more important than looking after our young. I was pleased to hear the Minister saying that he will keep a constant eye and that the board of management will report every three months. The Minister will be able to keep statistics and keep his finger on the pulse of what is happening.

I refer to yesterday's briefing in the AV room by Waterford County Comhairle na nÓg.

There is nothing like the young to talk to us, as it is really them about whom we are speaking. These are the people who are affected and seeing them speak was a powerful experience, which I wish the Minister had shared. They were very powerful young speakers. As the Senator mentioned, one of the beautiful teenagers told us "sticks and stones may break your bones", as mummies and daddies used to say; one would end up with a bruise and be very hurt but the bruise went away. She told us parents and friends could speak to her and one would feel better afterwards.

I am here to speak about cyberbullying, which is like a psychological cancer for our young because it is so permanent. We can consider all the forms of cyberbullying. With regard to social networks, I have a 13-year-old who has just started in a new school and I am glad to report the school in Kilkenny has a wonderful principal. Little Molly has come back to me three times already and said, "My gosh, at assembly he is saying that he does not care what goes on in the school but if one pupil is responsible for any bullying through text or social networks, he will not stand for it". He has told pupils to speak to friends or parents if there is an issue, so he is getting the message through. It is wonderful to hear that from teachers.

The young group yesterday spoke to us about Viber, and as I did not know what that was, I asked Molly last night. It is a group texting application, which means one text can go out to the entire gang for free. We have all heard of Ask.fm, which is really nasty as it is perfect for the profile of bullies. The user can be anonymous and say what he or she likes. It is perfect for Mr. or Ms Bully as they need never be found out.