Written answers

Thursday, 18 October 2012

Department of Education and Skills

Internet Safety Issues

Photo of Mary Mitchell O'ConnorMary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he has or intends to make contact with Askfm over the alleged harassment of a person (details supplied) received on their website; if he is taking any action on websites where persons can post anonymously such as Tumblr and Spillit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45448/12]

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Office for Internet Safety has been established by the Government to take a lead responsibility for internet safety in Ireland, particularly as it relates to children.

However, it is important for all of us to be vigilant and alert to the potential risks associated with the use and misuse of modern technologies. In this context, individual schools have the capacity to filter the content of what is accessible through the Schools Broadband Network. This allows teachers to use the Internet for teaching and learning in a manner that reduces the risk of pupils accessing inappropriate content. My Department also funds the Webwise initiative which focuses on raising the skills and understanding around Internet safety at school and in the home. The Deputy will be aware that tackling the issue of bullying in schools is a key objective of this Government. It was for that reason that an Anti-Bullying Forum was held earlier this year.

As a follow on to that Forum, I invited the stakeholders and any other interested parties to submit their views on this important topic to my Department by 29th June 2012. As part of this consultation, interested parties were requested to indicate their views and proposals on any changes to existing practices and policies in schools that could improve how bullying can be tackled in schools.

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