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At a presentation today to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications Energy and Natural Resources the Irish Cellular Industry Association (ICIA) outlined measures being put in place by mobile operators to combat bullying via mobile phones. The ICIA is the group that represents Irish mobile operators.

Tommy McCabe, Director of the Irish Cellular Industry Association said: “We welcome the comments by the Chairman of the Oireachtas Committee, Peter Kelly TD that the industry has made significant progress in tackling bullying via mobile phones in the last six months.”

Majella Fitzpatrick Head of Corporate Affairs, O2 described the new “Block IT” service offered by O2. "The Block IT product allows O2 customers to block unwanted text, picture and video messages from other mobile phone numbers. It is a free service which can block messages sent from any Irish mobile network and works on any mobile handset,” she said.

Catriona Costello Regulatory Affairs Manager, 3, said, “3 brought Europe’s first voice and text anti-bullying product to Ireland. The Kidsafe product enables parents to know with whom, when and how their children are using their mobile phones. From mid-July we will have the application available for free nationwide on applicable handsets.”

Gareth Davies, Chair of the ICIA and Compliance Manager, Meteor, said: “Mobile operators are continuing to investigate the best means to address some of the issues concerning bullying. For example, Meteor is involved in a range of consultations with bullying experts and continues to sponsor the Rehab “Heads up campaign. However, bullying as a behaviour needs to be addressed by society as a whole.”

Cara Twohig, Corporate Affairs, Vodafone, said: “Early in the school year we plan to launch a simple, configurable blocking tool (for children and parents). This is in conjunction with other initiatives such an innovative research project into anti-bullying strategies, and working with industry and institutions to provide an advice resource for teachers - TeachToday. The Vodafone Foundation has provided €50,000 to the ISPCC’s Childline online service.”

Gareth Davies (Chair of ICIA) Meteor, Majella Fitzpatrick O2, Cara Twohig, Eamon Farell,Vodafone, Catriona Costello 3 and Tommy McCabe, Director of the ICIA represented the mobile operators at the presentation to the Oireachtas Committee.