Parents around the country will be able to avail of new anti-bullying training by the National Parents Council. Parents will learn how to spot the symptoms of bullying in their children, as well as learning how to monitor their online activities in a bid to combat cyber-bullying.

A recent survey by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals found that 15% of parents never checked on the online activity of their children.

16% of children have been the target of online abuse or cyber bullying, while 1-in-10 have admitted to being the perpetrator themselves.

The Department of Education is providing €60,000 for parents to avail of anti-bullying training. This second tranche of funds will allow for the training of some 3,200 parents.

The Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn has published new anti-bullying procedures to be adopted and implemented in 4,000 primary and post primary schools by the end of this school year.

Minister Quinn admits it can be hard to police your children online, but it is a skill parents can learn.