One-fifth of schoolgirls fall victim to cyber bullies

Dublin- One-fifth of Irish schoolgirls have fallen victim to cyber-bullying, according to a new survey being publicised today.

More than 2,700 children across the country took part in the study, commissioned by the Irish Independent newspaper and 'Prime Time Investigates'. The research found that children as young as 12 are being targeted by bullies via mobile phone calls, text messages and internet sites.

One-in-seven children said they had been subjected to such bullying, with girls more likely to fall victim. One in 11 pupils admitted that they had engaged in cyber bullying through emails, internet forums, chat rooms and social networking sites.