Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle's office for selecting this Topical Issue matter. It is only right and proper that we have an opportunity to discuss such an important issue. I raise it in the context of the survey published by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals which shows a disturbing rise in the number of victims of cyberbullying and the number of pupils who admit to such bullying. As well as the headline figure of a 33% increase in students who report being cyberbullied and an 80% increase in the number of students admitting to cyberbullying another student, the survey found that only one in four parents monitors children's online activity daily, while 15% of parents admit never doing so. These findings copperfasten those of a recent study by DCU which found that 14% of students reported being cyberbullied and 8% admitted carrying out cyberbullying. Clive Byrne, director of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals, has observed that cyberbullying poses a clear and present threat to the collective morale of schools. The NAPDP survey showed, he said, that the less parents monitored their children's online activity, the less they knew about what might be going on.

I accept that this is a complex issue, made more complex by the rate of advances in technology, and, as such, is far from simple to tackle. Moreover, responsibility in this area spans several Departments. The Joint Committee on Transport and Communications recently prepared a report on this issue which was discussed at a Friday Dáil sitting some weeks ago and will feed into the work of the Internet content governance advisory group. Many schools are being proactive in this and are doing good work in educating parents on the devastating consequences of cyberbullying. In fact, I received an invitation this morning from the Presentation senior school in Mullingar to attend its information evening.

My specific concern today is the role of the Department of Justice and Equality in this matter. Specifically, I am concerned it is not receiving the urgency and priority it deserves. Lives are being lost and this is a time-sensitive issue. Last year, in his 2013 report, the special rapporteur on child protection pointed to a clear deficiency in the legislation to deal with this area. Twelve months later, no action has been taken to implement the clear recommendation of the rapporteur. The simple reality is that the legislation has not kept pace with advances in technology. My Cyberbullying Bill 2013, which I published last year, would create a stand-alone offence of cyberbullying that would apply both to those who engage in the act and those who assist or encourage it. If enacted, this legislation would ensure there are consequences for the bully, not the vulnerable child. As it stands, the perpetrators are getting away with their behaviour.

This is about protecting children, not punishing parents. In fact, it is a core protection issue. I appeal to the Minister of State to consider giving time to debate this crucial matter. As I said, it is a time-sensitive issue. Unfortunately, lives are being lost as a direct consequence of cyberbullying.

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