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iPad use in schools ‘worsens bullying problem’ – Independent.ie

March 18, 2013

Peter Singhatey Irish News Cyberbulling, ipod, Ireland, People & Society, peter singhateh Leave a comment

iPad use in schools ‘worsens bullying problem’ – Independent.ie.

While the digital revolution is being welcomed in schools, it will “put weapons in the hands of pupils”, an Oireachtas committee was told.

Cyber security expert Paul C Dwyer said such technology could be used for the wrong reasons, such as taking pictures and using them inappropriately.

“This is like a viral epidemic; you think you have a problem now,” he told the committee on transport and communications.

Mr Dwyer was among representatives from the National Anti-Bullying Coalition addressing the latest in a series of committee hearings on the challenges arising from irresponsible use of social media.

He said there was a need for a holistic approach to dealing with the range of online threats, including cyber predators…

Children ‘collateral’ victims of drink sector sport sponsorship | Irish Examiner

March 15, 2013

Peter Singhatey Irish News Health, Ireland, People & Society, peter singhateh Leave a comment

Children ‘collateral’ victims of drink sector sport sponsorship | Irish Examiner.

Children are the “unfortunate collateral damage” of sports sponsorship by the drink industry, a seminar on alcohol has heard…

Ms Ryan said alcohol sponsorship was “not altruistic”, but a calculated trade off: “You give us access to the young male markets and in return we give you money. Are we willing to accept this trade off? The unfortunate collateral damage are children.”

She said alcohol had become so normalised in shopping that it was pushed as “just another grocery”.

Prof Barry of Trinity College Dublin said there was a growing view in society that something had to be done, but he added: “There is no evidence to show that is shared by the Government. That’s the worrying matter. Politicians have done very little; they have done a disservice to the State.”

Taoiseach makes historic apology to Magdalenes

February 19, 2013

Peter Singhatey Irish News Ireland, Magdalenes, People & Society, peter singhateh Leave a comment

Taoiseach makes historic apology to Magdalenes.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has apologised to the women who spent time in the Magdalene laundries.

In an emotional speech, which was greeted by loud applause, Mr Kenny said: “This is a national shame for which I say again I am deeply sorry and offer my full and heartfelt apologies.”

Opening the Dáil debate tonight on the McAleese report, Mr Kenny said the Magdalene laundries were reserved for what was offensively and judgementally called fallen women.

The women, he added, were wholly blameless.

He added: “I, as Taoiseach, on behalf of this State, the Government and our citizens, deeply regret and apologise unreservedly to all those women for the hurt that was done to them, for any stigma they suffered as a result of the time they spent in the Magdalene laundry.”…

Coalition to launch media drive against cyberbullying

January 30, 2013

Peter Singhatey Irish News Cyberbulling, Ireland, People & Society, peter singhateh Leave a comment

Coalition to launch media drive against cyberbullying.

A national media campaign highlighting the implications of cyberbullying will form part of a Government plan to combat the problem among young people this year.

At the publication of the Government plan on bullying yesterday, Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn said for some children and young people, “bullying is a scourge that can . . . obliterate their happiness”…

BBC News – Irish climber Ian McKeever killed on Mount Kilimanjaro

January 5, 2013

Peter Singhatey Irish News Africa, Ireland, Kilimanjaro, People & Society, peter singhateh Leave a comment

BBC News – Irish climber Ian McKeever killed on Mount Kilimanjaro

via BBC News – Irish climber Ian McKeever killed on Mount Kilimanjaro.

An Irish mountaineer and charity fundraiser has died while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

Ian McKeever, who was 42 and from Lough Dan in Wicklow, was leading a group of climbers when they were struck by lightning.

Mr McKeever was a leading member of the Kilimanjaro Achievers Team, a group of veteran climbers which led groups to the top of the mountain.

Schools ban photos to stamp out cyber bullies via @independent_ie

December 5, 2012

Peter Singhatey Education, Irish News Education, Ireland, People & Society, peter singhateh 1 Comment

Schools ban photos to stamp out cyber bullies via @independent_ie.

SCHOOLS have been told to ban all students from taking photographs of other pupils or members of staff under new guidelines to combat cyber bullying.

The radical advice from secondary school managers is the latest move in the drive to combat electronic bullying through social media websites, text and picture messaging, email, chatrooms and gaming sites.

In its advice to 400 schools sent out last week, the Joint Managerial Body (JMB) said the only exception should be when the pictures were specifically required for a school project. The damage caused by cyber-bullying, which has been linked to some recent teen suicides in Ireland, has forced schools to improve their response to the fast-growing problem.

A ban on the generally harmless activity of taking photographs in school, other than in limited circumstances, shows the extent to which the management body has to go to protect its staff and pupils in the age of social media…

Taylor to decide within weeks on professional boxing career

August 16, 2012

Peter Singhatey Irish News Ireland, People & Society, peter singhateh Leave a comment

Taylor to decide within weeks on professional boxing career.

OLYMPIC GOLD medallist Katie Taylor has said she will decide within weeks whether to turn professional or remain an amateur boxer.

Her father Peter confirmed he is meeting US and UK promoters today to discuss his daughter’s future.

Speaking after a civic reception in Dublin city centre yesterday, Taylor confirmed she will continue boxing until at least 2016, when the next Olympics are staged, but said she was still undecided about a move into the professional game…