Young people should to be taught to recognise all forms of bullying behaviour and deal with it properly, Minister for Youth Affairs Sean Haughey said today.
Mr Haughey was attending the launch of the Let's Beat Bullying initiative which aims to raise awareness of bullying among people involved in youth work and measures to address the problem.
Mr Haughey said it was important young people were provided with a safe and trusting environment in which to develop.
"Bullying can, and does, take place in many walks of life and the youth work sector is no exception. I believe that it is important that all involved in youth work activities recognise bullying for what it is - unacceptable behaviour, regardless of whether the perpetrator is an adult or young person, acting as an individual or as part of a group," he said.
The TD said the initiative, the first in the sector for over 12 years, defined bullying and its impact as well as suggesting preventative strategies, detailed responses and interventions.
He said there was a need to instil confidence in young people to ensure they positively intervene when they see bullying happening.
"If bullies have an intolerant audience, their power is diminished. It is after all that sense of power that bullies thrive on. Young people need to be aware that all citizens are equal and that positive social change is helped by intolerance to unwanted remarks, jokes, name calling or general harassment - all preludes to bullying," Mr Haughey said.
"Young people need to learn how to recognise bullying behaviour, know that they should never tolerate it and nip it in the bud in its early stages."
He said the resource would work to empower people working in the youth sector to help young people recognise the many faces of bullying and to deal with it appropriately.
Mr Haughey said there were already strategies established including Webwise to promote safe and positive use of the internet and initiatives on the Department of Education's website to assist schools to develop policies to counteract bullying.
PA