General News

FAB Feb (Foróige Against Bullying Month) was a major success, largely in part to the devotion of volunteers who fuelled bullying awareness initiatives through clubs, projects and services. Groups in Mulhuddart, Longford town, Banteer Lyre, Brookfield, Bullaun, Carrick-on-Suir, Tallaght, Kildare, Athlone, Tyrrellstown, Kanturk, Killygarry, Lackagh, Listowel, Aghabog, Blanchardstown, Newcestown, Scarriff, Scotstown, Smithboro, Corduff and more carried out FAB Feb activities such as video production, poster competitions, positive peer influence workshops etc.

Friday Night

Getting elected on to the reference panel, to me was a shock. I was over the moon and was intrigued to see what I was letting myself in for. Coming from a small club it was the first time that someone from our club got elected. The night before, as I packed my bag I began to feel anxious and nervous. I am an outgoing and confident person but this experience was going to be something I had never done before.

Internet use is now a central part of children and young people’s lives in Ireland today. The vast majority of Irish children are online. The Growing Up in Ireland report found that 86% of all nine-year-olds have a computer in their home.  Many now also go online using smartphones, games consoles or other portable devices. Children also start using the internet from a very early age. In the UK, Ofcom reported that 81% of 5-15s are accessing the internet at home and increasing to 97% for 12-15s; additionally, 28% of 3-4 year olds use a tablet computer at  home.  EU Kids Online also found that Irish young people are avid social networkers: three quarters of 13-14 year olds, and 9 in 10 older teenagers have a profile on a social networking site.   Nearly half of 11-12s are also active on social networking sites, despite age restrictions.