Cyber-bullying prevention
Senator Noone raises cyber-bullying and urges education for parents and children about Internet dangers and safety.
Let us have a mature debate on child benefit, as suggested by other Senators.
Let us have the Minister in the House in advance of the budget to have a helpful discussion about the proposals. However, one can well understand why the Minister would not be willing to engage when any report that is commissioned is put out into the media in such a negative light. It frustrates efforts in many ways.
I also want to raise the issue of cyber-bullying. There were disturbing events recently with regard to a child, Ciara Pugsley, who took her own life.
Comment on this
I apologise as I should not have named her. It is public knowledge as it was raised on television last night, however.
Comment on this
The Internet is an invisible tool for the bullying for children. It is a significant concern and parents need to be educated about its dangers as well as the methods to ensure their children are safe when using the Internet. It is an issue we could usefully debate in this House.