Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 26:

In page 48, in the third column, between lines 19 and 20, to insert the following:

"(2) In this section a message sent by electronic mail or text message is deemed to be sent by telephone.".

This is an important section as it concerns the offence of making abusive telephone calls. It will be essential to provide clear language to ensure e-mails and texts are covered. As we are aware, cyber bullying is a major problem and the law must clearly cover such activities. The reports on cyber bullying are disturbing, to say the least, and it is difficult to define its effect on people. It is a new form of bullying. It is a way of abusing the communications system to bully someone. I hope the Minister agrees. Bullying is bullying whether it be an abusive telephone call, text or e-mail.