Menu
05/11/2014
Irish Association for Suicidology Calls For More Policing Of Social Media
The President of the Irish Association for Suicidology, Dan Neville, has called for increased policing of social media websites in an effort to tackle cyber-bullying.
Mr Neville, who is also a Fine Gael TD for Limerick, said: "Social media sites present huge problems to parents and to society in general as they allow bullies into the homes and the private lives of those they are targeting. Smartphones have increased the power of bullies as they can access potential targets anytime, anywhere. Ask.fm presents a unique and even more worrying problem due to the anonymity it allows its users. Increased policing is necessary to protect young people from the dangers of these sites.
"I appreciate the opportunities that these sites present but they should not be able to do so at any cost. I understand that Ask.fm is introducing a new measure whereby users can block people they no longer want to interact with. This is a step forward but I still have a serious issue with the fact that comments can be left on someone’s page anonymously. It is very easy for manipulative and destructive people to hide behind their keyboard; it should be compulsory for these people to put their name to a comment
"All social media sites present dangers to young people and the best way to combat these dangers is through education. Parents and children alike must be educated to ensure that social media is not misused and that they are aware of best safety practices."
(MH/CD)
Mr Neville, who is also a Fine Gael TD for Limerick, said: "Social media sites present huge problems to parents and to society in general as they allow bullies into the homes and the private lives of those they are targeting. Smartphones have increased the power of bullies as they can access potential targets anytime, anywhere. Ask.fm presents a unique and even more worrying problem due to the anonymity it allows its users. Increased policing is necessary to protect young people from the dangers of these sites.
"I appreciate the opportunities that these sites present but they should not be able to do so at any cost. I understand that Ask.fm is introducing a new measure whereby users can block people they no longer want to interact with. This is a step forward but I still have a serious issue with the fact that comments can be left on someone’s page anonymously. It is very easy for manipulative and destructive people to hide behind their keyboard; it should be compulsory for these people to put their name to a comment
"All social media sites present dangers to young people and the best way to combat these dangers is through education. Parents and children alike must be educated to ensure that social media is not misused and that they are aware of best safety practices."
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 September 2014
Majority Of Children Access Social Media At School
A new survey has found that almost eight in 10 students access social media sites when they are at school. The BT Young Scientist survey discovered that 79% of pupils had accessed social media at school, with a further 44% accessing it between one and five times during the school day.
Majority Of Children Access Social Media At School
A new survey has found that almost eight in 10 students access social media sites when they are at school. The BT Young Scientist survey discovered that 79% of pupils had accessed social media at school, with a further 44% accessing it between one and five times during the school day.
10 December 2010
'Hardest Hit' In Budget Claims Follow Cuts
There is some disagreement over which sections of society are being hardest hit by Tuesday's budget.
'Hardest Hit' In Budget Claims Follow Cuts
There is some disagreement over which sections of society are being hardest hit by Tuesday's budget.
27 July 2011
Small Businesses Getting 'Social' On-Line
With half the adult population of Ireland regularly using social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, the small business community are being encouraged to use social media tools to better connect with customers and suppliers.
Small Businesses Getting 'Social' On-Line
With half the adult population of Ireland regularly using social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, the small business community are being encouraged to use social media tools to better connect with customers and suppliers.
05 October 2011
Welfare Fraud Crackdown Continues
An Oireachtas committee will meet today to discuss current and future proposals to tackle social welfare fraud. The Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education will meet will discuss ways to stop people from fraudulently claiming benefits to which they are not entitled.
Welfare Fraud Crackdown Continues
An Oireachtas committee will meet today to discuss current and future proposals to tackle social welfare fraud. The Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education will meet will discuss ways to stop people from fraudulently claiming benefits to which they are not entitled.
13 May 2008
HSE Defends Allegations On Childcare Under funding
The Health Service Executive has today defended itself amid accusations its funding and staffing for childcare services is insufficient. Current affairs television programme, Prime Time Investigates, highlighted the impact of the HSE's recruitment embargo and employment controls on services available for children and young people at risk of abuse.
HSE Defends Allegations On Childcare Under funding
The Health Service Executive has today defended itself amid accusations its funding and staffing for childcare services is insufficient. Current affairs television programme, Prime Time Investigates, highlighted the impact of the HSE's recruitment embargo and employment controls on services available for children and young people at risk of abuse.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
