COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 08, 2017

MOTION NO.4

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

''In regards to Cyberbullying and children , we ask SDCC

1) That SDCC look at what can be done in Libraries in all of SDCC to combat this growing and worrying issue. To ask that a campaign be looked at to deal with this issue that poses a serious threat to many children within our area. This should include all types of Social Media.

2) That SDCC write to the Minister for Children , Minister for Justice and Minister for Education and ask that they work together to combat this serious matter with both Legislation and an Education programme in our schools and Education campaign for Parents''

REPORT:

1) Libraries are aware of the dangers of Cyber bullying and have safeguards in place with regard to our public internet usage and Wifi in all our libraries. Advice for parents is available on the library website http://www.southdublinlibraries.ie/our-services/childrens-zone

However, parents need to be vigilant and need to monitor the Apps and websites that their children are accessing.

To help parents the library service will organise workshops next autumn. These workshops, facilitated by Barnardos, will last one hour plus time for questions. Parents will be offered an opportunity to consider how they can increase their child’s online safety and what to do if they suspect their child is experiencing cyber-bullying. 

Parents will be provided with take home information that offers the most up to date information in relation to the apps their child may be using and associated safety considerations.

2) If the Motion is passed a letter will issue to the appropriate Ministers, and when a reply is received it will be issued to the Members.