A new service to combat cyber bullying via mobile phones is to be available to parents next month.
"Block It" is a free service from O2 which allows subscribers to block unwanted text, picture and video messages from other mobile phone numbers. The service, which will be available from mid-June, can block messages sent from any Irish mobile network, and will work on any handset.
It has been developed by Irish messaging services company Anam Mobile.
Speaking at the launch of the new service in Dublin this afternoon, Minister for Children Barry Andrews described bullying as a blight on many children's development and warned that modern technology has become another means by which hurtful messages can be delivered.
“Mobile phones are a great way for us all to stay connected and any abuse of this form of communication should not be allowed to overshadow its many benefits,” he said.
According to international research, one in 10 children has been the victim of cyber bullying, and almost 20 per cent admitted to being perpetrators.
A guide on how to protect children and teenagers from mobile phone-based bullying, was published by the Irish Cellular Industry Association (ICIA) in December.
