A national anti-bullying website which allows teenagers to share their experiences with each other online has been launched.

The website (tacklebullying.ie) provides information, support and advice for students, teachers and parents on how to recognise and deal with bullying behaviour.

It was developed by the national anti-bullying research and resource centre  at Dublin City University.

Speaking at an event to mark the launch, Minister for  Education Jan O’Sullivan said it would be a single point of information and support for anyone affected by bullying.

“Bullying is not a problem that schools alone can tackle, and it is incumbent on each and every one of us in the wider community to stand up to bullying,” she said.

Action plan on bullying

The website is a part of the Government’s action plan on bullying, announced last year, which sets out a range of actions needed to help prevent and tackle bullying in primary and secondary schools.

In addition, Ms O’Sullivan announced extra funding for the National Parents Councils (primary and post primary) anti-bullying training programme for parents this year.

The additional funding will bring the total amount spent on the programme to almost €250,000 since 2013.

As part of the national action plan, the Department of Education wrote to all 4,000 schools in the State about the need to draft anti-bullying procedures.

These must have detailed policies on handling bullying incidents, ensure adequate supervision in schoolyards and tackle the use of discriminatory or derogatory language.

Ms O’Sullivan said many parents had contacted her seeking support in helping their children to combat cyberbullying.

“It’s something that can do extraordinary damage to a young person if they’re bullied. It can have huge effects on their self-confidence and their chances of being successful in life,” she said.