School's out for summer - but NI charity warns of ongoing bullying
Primary school pupils targeted by internet trolls
A growing number of primary school children across Northern Ireland are being bullied online, a top charity warned today.
And the NSPCC says that the bullying does not stop just because pupils are on holidays.
The charity’s Childline service is urging parents to be aware as bullying becomes “a 24/7 issue”.
A spokesperson said “Online bullying is one of the biggest child protections challenges of this generation. It is a problem intensified by the ever-increasing presence of the internet. Years ago a child could escape their bullies when they left the playground and get some respite in the safety of their home, now the 24/7 nature of the internet means that a child can be targeted around the clock.
“Bullying, regardless of whether it occurs online or in person can have a devastating impact on a young person, affecting their self-worth, leave them feeling isolated and potentially being a trigger for depression.
“We receive a lot of contacts about bullying, in particular from children aged 11 and under. Last year, Childline carried out 318 counselling sessions with children from Northern Ireland who were experiencing bullying - including online bullying. Bullying can happen to anyone at any age. No one has the right to hurt you or make you feel bad and if you are being bullied you don't have to put up with it, you can talk to someone about it. You are not alone – Childline can help.”
Anyone being bullied can speak to a Childline counsellor by calling 0800 1111 or through a one-to-one chat online at www.childline.org. There is also advice from other young people on the online message boards