The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) has called for dedicated teaching on the subject of cyberbullying in schools and funding to help tackle the problem. It said there should be an increase in the Department of Education’s budget to provide training to parents and to develop school guidelines for those with concerns for child welfare.

In a survey it conducted among 1,000 people, parents and children included, the NAPD found that 78 per cent believe schools should advise students on internet safety and 71 per cent that schools should ban smart phones. A ban on social media usage was favoured by 63 per cent while 73 per cent want school guidelines on cyberbullying.

NAPD director Clive Byrne will address today's Understanding and Managing Cyberbullying conference which is co-hosted by Bully4u and the National Anti-Bullying Centre at DCU. "Our schools can become pivotal to stamping out cyberbullying provided both teachers and parents are equipped with the right tools and resources to identify and deal with cyberbullying. Increased training for educators and parents is key to this objective."

Other speakers include Dr James O’Higgins Norman, director of the Anti-Bullying Centre, and Liva Biseniece from the social network Ask.fm. MARK HILLIARD