One in five Galway pupils bullied on the internet

One in every five Galway school-going teenagers have been bullied on the internet, a shock new study reveals.

The research, carried out by the Labour Party, also reveals that over half the young people surveyed in schools in Galway city and county know somebody who has been bullied.

That means that over 70%, or seven out of 10 Galway second level students, have either been bullied online or know someone who has been bullied online.

But the teenagers aren’t just being bullied on social media sites – the study shows that 52% of the young people surveyed have seen “abusive text messages” on phones in school and among their peers.

Galway West TD Derek Nolan and Athenry-based Senator, Lorraine Higgins – the party’s European elections candidate – carried out the survey.

A total of 577 teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 in schools throughout Galway were questioned for the comprehensive survey.

The results were published last night (Thursday) at a public meeting organised by Deputy Nolan and Senator Higgins at the Clayton Hotel where the problem of cyber-bullying was discussed with parents, teachers and members of the public.

The survey found:

• 26% spend more than 10 hours a week on social media.

• 85% think cyber bullying is a major issue for young people.

• 22% have been subject to online bullying.

• 50% know someone who has been bullied online.

• 52% have seen abusive text messages in school and among their peers.