Cyberbullying incidents have “soared in number” during the pandemic, leaving children “only a click away from distress”, an Oireachtas Committee meeting on the mental health impacts of school bullying has heard. Bullying in schools has become more difficult to monitor and intervene on due to the “ever increasing catalogue of ways bullying can occur”. Restorative practices are “hugely important” in instances of bullying, Mr Irwin said. Schools need parents to buy into the restorative practice, and schools require time and resources to train staff and parents. Mr Irwin added that ideally, every school should have access to a psychotherapist.

Source: The Irish Times June 01, 2021 19:30 UTC