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	ISPCC responds to recommendations made by Special Rapporteur on Child Protection in the area of bullying</p>
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	The ISPCC welcomes the focus placed on bullying in its various forms in Geoffrey Shannon&#39;s 6th report as Special Rapporteur on Child Protection which was published last week.</p>
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	The ISPCC recommends immediate follow up on a number of Mr. Shannon&#39;s recommendations which would enhance the approach and response to bullying incidences for young people;</p>
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	a. The recommendation that clarification is needed in legislation on the offence of cyberbullying and how complaints of cyberbullying are investigated and progressed is a much needed development. It is imperative that young people know that if they make a complaint regarding cyberbullying, that there is a defined legislative response, an investigation process and above all, that it will be taken seriously.</p>
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	b. Allowing litigation to be pursued anonymously, protecting a child&#39;s privacy would also create an arena where young people are not deterred from reporting incidences for fear of being further victimised publicly.</p>
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	c. We all have a duty to care when it comes to protecting children and we all have a role in tackling the issue of bullying. The recommendations that there should be cooperation between Gardai and Internet Service Providers to share IP information when complaints of cyberbullying are made would mean that no one person can hide behind the internet to harass and victimise another.</p>
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	Lisa Collins, Advocacy Manager with the ISPCC said; &quot;There has been a spotlight on the issue of different forms of bullying in recent years and as such, the recommendation that homophobic bullying be treated as a child protection issue is wholly welcomed by the ISPCC. We know that all bullying can have long lasting and detrimental effects on young people and it is imperative that robust and comprehensive processes are in place at an educational and legislative level. We must work together at all levels to ensure a clear and unified response to bullying.&rdquo;</p>
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	The ISPCC has been heavily involved in the issue of bullying; working with those experiencing it, raising awareness and supporting schools to respond to the issue. A whole school and whole community approach is needed to tackle bullying in all quarters.</p>
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	The ISPCC Shield My School Self Evaluation Toolkit is available free of charge online<a href="http://www.ispcc.ie/antibullyingtoolkit" rel="_blank" style="color: rgb(76, 110, 136);">http://www.ispcc.ie/antibullyingtoolkit</a>&nbsp;. This toolkit assists schools in evaluating and responding to bullying in their schools. Resources and support information is also available for young people and adults on our website.</p>
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	<a href="http://www.waterford-today.ie/waterford-lifestyle/20173-child-protection-in-the-area-of-bullying-20173.html">http://www.waterford-today.ie/waterford-lifestyle/20173-child-protection-in-the-area-of-bullying-20173.html</a></p>
