Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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77. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the extent to which he remains satisfied that adequate steps have been taken to prevent school bullying with particular reference to the use of social media, in the classroom or outside, on or off school precincts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52006/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Action Plan on Bullying, which was published in 2013, sets out my Department's approach to tackling bullying in schools. These actions focus on support for schools, teacher training, research and awareness raising and aim to ensure that all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying, are addressed.

As part of the implementation of the Action Plan anti-bullying procedures for all primary and post primary schools, which include a specific reference to cyberbullying, were published at the beginning of the 2013/14 school year. The procedures are designed to give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in preventing and tackling school-based bullying behaviour amongst its pupils and in dealing with any negative impact within school of bullying behaviour that occurs elsewhere. They include specific requirements in relation to the use of prevention and education strategies and the consistent investigation, follow up and recording of bullying behaviour.

My Department has also supported the development of anti-bullying training materials for parents, teachers and Boards of Management and is supporting a number of anti-bullying initiatives aimed at young people such as the Stand Up! Against Homophobic and Transphobic bullying campaign, organised by BeLonG To, and the Europe-wide initiative, Safer Internet Day.  In addition, a new National Anti-Bullying website, www.tacklebullying.ie, has been launched to provide a single point of information and support for young people, parents and teachers affected by bullying.

Awareness on internet safety for schools is carried out by the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST- Technology in Education) in partnership with the Safer Internet Ireland Project. Webwise, an internet safety initiative established by the PDST Technology Team, promotes the autonomous, effective, and safer use of the internet by young people through a sustained information and awareness strategy targeting parents, teachers, and children themselves with consistent and relevant messages including guidance on acceptable usage in schools.  Since 2013 new resources to tackle cyberbullying “UP2US”, “My Selfie and the wider world” and “Lockers” have been launched through Webwise. On Safer Internet Day 2017 Webwise launched a new online Parenting Hub: Webwise Parents. The PDST Technology Team also develop and disseminate resources that help teachers integrate internet safety into teaching and learning in their schools.

Internet safety issues are also covered in the curriculum. One of the statements of learning identified in the Junior Cycle is being responsible, safe and ethical in using digital technology. In addition, the NCCA has developed a Junior Cycle short course on Digital Media Literacy. This short course aims to extend and refine students’ ability to use digital technology, communication tools, and the internet creatively, critically and safely, in support of their development, learning and capacity to participate effectively in social and community life.