8-year-olds experiencing cyber-bullying

An anti-bullying expert has warned that children as young as eight years old are experiencing cyber-bullying.

 

Marion Flanagan of the Anti-Bullying Centre at Trinity College says that many online abusers were unaware of the full impact their actions were having.  She also says the impact of cyber-bullying is a lot more harmful as throw-away comments can be read repeatedly. 

 

It has been estimated that more than half of Irish youngsters are breaching age restrictions on social networking sites and setting up profiles.

 

Ms Flanagan has warned that it is easier for a bully to be "a lot more vicious" online or by text and is calling for collective action to deal with the problem.