Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A study published last week in the United Kingdom found that nine out of ten teens who suffered online bullying were also subjected to traditional bullying. While Members often think of cyber bullying as a significant threat to young people, the study finds that face-to-face bullying remains the most common form of bullying among teenagers. According to the study, cyber bullying is best understood as a new avenue to victimise those already being bullied in traditional ways rather than a way to pick new victims. Whether the method of bullying is through social media or more traditional forms at school and at work, Members should take every opportunity to say it should stop.

In that context, I bring to the attention of the House an initiative called I'm a Friend started in the midlands by a man named Charlie Wynne. It is a simple initiative aimed at creating a support community for those being bullied. Its mission is to create a more thoughtful, caring society where friends look out for friends. By wearing the I'm a Friend pin, a person supporting the initiative's ideals make a proud statement that he or she does not agree with bullying behaviour or accept that it is okay to bully others or be bullied by others and that he or she will support the victims of bullying in any way possible. In a similar way to the statement the wearing of a Pioneer pin makes about the wearer, it is hoped that wearing the symbol will spread the message to others.

As a person who has been on the receiving end of a barrage of vile personal abuse, I know how it feels to be bullied. During the most recent general election campaign, I was targeted by several people on social media who were too cowardly to talk to me face to face and thought it was okay to personally insult and attack me. I chose to ignore the comments at the time but the bombardment of insults continued. Thankfully, I have the wherewithal to stand up to such bullies. Members should take every opportunity to say that bullying should stop. I'm a Friend is one way to do that. It does not claim to be a solution to all bullying but might be of assistance to some victims. I am informing Members of this organisation in order that they can look it up further. I will endeavour to provide Members with a pin and I hope that every Member will wear it and set an example for others.