Eamonn Coghlan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, 6 November, was a great day for the children of Ireland with the announcement of a new paediatric hospital. Let us hope that all of the various parties concerned, ranging between the medical industry, the academic industry and politicians here, come together to expedite the construction of the hospital.

The weekend before last was a very sad day for children. During the first weekend of our recess a young schoolchild in Donegal took her own life. A national consultation of over 300 primary schools here was carried out. It led the Ombudsman for Children to make a recommendation that schools take a more affirmative action to prevent cyberbullying.

Cyber bullying is a big issue, not just for children. It is a big issue for all of us who are prepared to log on to the social media network and read the desperate messages that have been posted. It is always the schools that are called upon to act. They must teach children about physical fitness, obesity and now they must teach them about the dangers of social media. Unfortunately, there is not much that teachers can do. Teachers are afraid to do anything because most of the time they are afraid of their students.

Bullying is an absolute nightmare for its victims. An online attack should be treated somewhat as a physical assault. Parents have the responsibility to monitor their children?s online activity. Further steps need to be taken to hold parents responsible, legally, morally and financially, for their child?s actions and words online. It is getting out of control and I call for a serious debate in the Seanad with the Minister for Justice and Equality to see what we can do to tackle cyberbullying and prevent more young people from taking their lives as a result.