Garda war on cyber bullies
THE Garda National Protective Services Bureau has revealed it is leading the fight against online bullies with a dedicated unit.
Officers yesterday issued a guide on how to limit the impact of trolls on children and adults.
Det Chief Supt Declan Daly said: “Cyber bullying can have a significant impact on people’s lives.
“The Garda Online Child Exploitation Unit is committed to tackling it in an impactful way.”
The officer added the digital age of consent in Ireland is 16 years old and people under that can only sign up to social media with the “explicit approval of their parent or guardian”.
He said: “If you do decide to give your child permission to use sites, the best online safety strategy is to talk with your child and engage with their use of the internet.” Legislation is currently going through the Dail and Seanad which will strengthen Garda powers to target trolls.
The Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Bill 2017 – also known as Coco’s Law – will reform the rules concerning noxious messages, including electronic.
Det Sgt Mary Mccormack of the OCEU advised: “Cyber bullying is where someone uses technology to embarrass, threaten, harass or target someone online. You can be any age and be cyber bullied.
“So if you have been the target, keep the messages. Take screen shots of the messages, don’t delete them. Keep the evidence. We may be able to use these when looking at your allegations.
“Stop all communication with the person who is bullying you. Block the person and report them to An Garda Siochana.
“Stop and think before you post anything online. It can be seen, forwarded and saved by others. Would you want your parents to see it, your granny, your grandad or others?
“If you see something posted about you you are not happy about, tell someone. Do not respond to the bully, just report it when online. Always treat others with respect.” YESTERDAY
Take screen shots of the messages, don’t delete them. Keep the evidence DET SGT MARY MCCORMACK