Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

155. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures being taken to deal with cyberbullying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10272/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I share the Deputy’s concern in relation the possibility that the proliferation of internet connectivity may well expose children to bullying and harassment online.

There is no doubt that the pervasive use of social media has challenged a wide number of previously accepted norms, both in terms of media governance and in more general societal terms. To that end, I have asked the Internet Content Governance Advisory (ICGA) Group which I formed in December, to evaluate the full range of content issues that now arise online.

This Group will consider the emerging issues around online content and its general impact on the lives of children and young people, including online bullying or harassment as well as the issues that arise from age inappropriate viewing of content.

The Group will report in May with the objective of making recommendations aimed at protecting children and young people without limiting unduly their opportunities and rights online. The Government will consider that report in great detail at that stage. A public consultation is now open, and submissions from all interested parties are welcome. I am aware also that the Group expect to meet with all key stakeholders as part of their work in the coming weeks.

The Group will also have regard to international best practice, including recent European Commission Reports and Council Conclusions in this area, and will also be asked to comment specifically on the recent report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee titled ‘Addressing the Growth of Social Media and tackling Cyberbullying’.

Our most immediate and important task now is to help educate children, young people and parents as to the risks that can be found online, to support parents and teachers in explaining these issues to children and to identify the optimal technical solution to protect children. In this regard, there are a range of tools available online to assist parents in managing internet access. The ISPs themselves have a variety of measures and resources already in place, with software and other tools available to help parents ensure online safety for their children.