Cyberbullying

Fair City are talking about it. The Afternoon Show are talking about it. My Mum is talking about it. Cyberbullying. It is a real issue but some of the hysteria surrounding it is unwarranted. In my role as CEO of the Irish Internet Association I get to talk about this issue on the media. My main argument is summarised below;

The internet is here to stay. The interent is a pwoerful tool for enriching our lives in an unprecented manner. The internet is a pwoerful communications tool and if misused can be dangerous. You do not let your kid into a car unless they have been instructed on how to use the powerful (and all too often) deadly machine. You should not let your kids on the internet unless they are educated in how to use it and how not to misuse it.

Government and Society has responded and there are excellent resources available to the non-technical parent who may want to know more. Check out webwise and Childnet International and get involved in the debate, beef yourself up on what's involved and imbue a sense of wonder and respect in your kids about the power of the internet.