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Safer Internet Day 2024

Safer Internet Day will take place on the 6th of February 2023, organised by the UK Safer Internet Centre. The theme this year is: ‘Inspiring change? Making a difference, managing influence and navigating change online’…

Coping with the Rising Cost of Living

The cost of living has been increasing year on year. This has left many people struggling to maintain a decent standard of living, particularly the elderly and families with young children. This blog explores the financial impact of the cost of living increase, the effect these increases have on different areas of life…

The Role of the Intervener in Bullying

In our final article to support Anti-Bullying Week 2023, we are looking at the role of the intervener in cases of bullying. We will explore ways in which interveners can ‘make a noise about bullying’ to help support the target…

The Role of the Follower in Bullying

This article in our series for Anti-Bullying Week 2023 looks at the role of those who follow and support bullies. Why would anyone want to cheer on a bully or support their harmful behaviour? We will explore this issue and examine some of the reasons why some people encourage bullies and provide a supportive environment for bullying…

The Role of the Bystander in Bullying

In this series of articles to coincide with Anti-Bullying Week 2023, we will examine the roles individuals play in relation to bullying behaviour. This article examines the role of the bystander. What exactly is a bystander and how can we encourage such ones to ‘make a noise about bullying’ in order to help prevent any negative behaviour…

The Role of the Target in Bullying

This blog, which is part of our series for Anti-Bullying Week 2023, focuses on the role of the target in bullying. Is there such a thing as a typical bullying target? Are some people more likely to be targeted by bullies than others…

The Role of the Bully in Bullying

In our latest blog series for Anti-Bullying Week 2023, we are looking at the different roles involved in bullying. Obviously, when we think of bullying, the first person that springs to mind is the bully. It is therefore important to find out why people bully, and how bullying can be prevented…

How to Get Children Back to School

Education is a basic human right. Providing education for children and young people should be at the top of every government’s agenda. Access to quality education provides huge benefits and teaches young people to think for themselves, solve problems, understand the world around them and make informed decisions…

RAAC — Crumbling School Concrete

Department for Education surveyors have discovered that a large number of local authority buildings in the United Kingdom, mainly schools and other educational establishments, were built using RAAC. They are now facing closure due to safety concerns over crumbling concrete…

World Maternal Mental Health Day 2023

Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time. However, there are certain times when things can be more difficult. Around a quarter of women experience mental health difficulties during pregnancy and up to a year after birth (AKA the perinatal period). This is a period of massive change and many women do not receive the help and support they need relating to maternal mental health…

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

Around the world, approximately 25% of pregnant women and new mothers experience some form of mental health issue. Very often, these women do not receive the support they need.

Although pregnancy and childbirth are incredible experiences, they can be extremely challenging…

Communicating Effectively Online

In today’s technological world, we live much of our life online. We communicate online, work online, study online and find information at the touch of a button…

The Cost of Living Crisis

Most countries were affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It pushed millions into poverty. Both Russia and Ukraine are major global suppliers of important cereal crops, and Russia supplies 40% of Europe’s gas…

Suicides in Treatment and Aftercare

Suicide is a significant health and social problem and those with any form of addiction are most at risk. Numerous studies have highlighted the link between addiction and suicide. It is well known that alcohol, and many other…

What is the Purpose of Mental Health Awareness Week?

Every year, the Mental Health Foundation designates one week in May as Mental Health Awareness Week. It is an opportunity for people around the country to examine their own attitude towards mental health…

The Internet Watch Foundation

I first came across the Internet Watch Foundation (www.iwf.org.uk) in 2006 when I was reading an article about child sexual abuse, and I have followed their work ever since. At one time, I even contemplated applying to work for them…

Safer Internet Day 2021

This year’s Safer Internet Day is once again coordinated by the UK Safer Internet Centre. This year’s theme is: ‘An internet we trust: exploring reliability in the online world’…

The Coronavirus Continues to Disrupt Education

Following on from Boris Johnson’s announcement of a further national lockdown due to rising coronavirus cases, students, parents and teachers are facing more uncertainty. Just as millions of children were set to return…

Australia Tackles Harmful Online Content

The Australian federal government has proposed new cyber safety laws which will lead to huge fines for internet service providers, social media companies and other online platforms if they do not remove harmful…

Anti-Bullying Week 2020

It is Anti-Bullying Week from 16th–20th November 2020. The theme for this year is: ‘United Against Bullying’ and it starts off with Odd Socks Day on the Monday to kick-start the week. Odd Socks Day is a way to celebrate…

COVID-20 — Coping with the Mental Health Time Bomb

As COVID-19 continues to throw new challenges at us every day, experts are warning of an impending mental health crisis following on the heels of the coronavirus, which they have dubbed ‘COVID-20’…

ITV’s Campaign for Mental Wellness

ITV is the oldest commercial network in the UK and was originally launched in 1955. In Britain it is a popular TV broadcaster and it distributes some of the most popular programmes on TV…

Was there an Increase in Suicides During the Lockdown?

It is a well known fact that social isolation can have a negative impact on emotional wellbeing. For this reason, there was an increase in mental health issues during the lockdown and many people sought medical help during this time…

World Suicide Prevention Day 2020

World Suicide Prevention Day 2020 International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). The theme for the third year running is: ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’. The aim is to raise awareness of suicide and provide information on the causes of suicide and the warning signs of suicide…

The Effect of Alcoholism on the Family Unit

Alcohol addiction has a devastating effect on the personal lives of the addict and their family and friends. Nobody escapes unscathed when there is an addict in the family, and the ease with which alcohol is available and socially acceptable only adds to the problem. So what is the impact of alcoholism on families…

Life in a Digitally Divided World — We Can Make a Difference

According to recent estimates, there are approx 1 million children, young people and families across the UK without adequate access to new technology or the internet at home. The BBC have recently been highlighting the issue in their Make a Difference campaign where they are encouraging people to donate devices to those who need them…

Tackling Harmful Online Content

Back in mid-January 2020, the Royal College of Psychiatrists called on ministers to put pressure on social media firms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to release data concerning users and the content they are viewing. The RCP stated this data was vital as part of a strategy to reduce suicide among young people and children…

Safer Internet Day 2020

Safer Internet Day is coordinated in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre and in Ireland by the PDST Technology in Education and Webwise.

This year’s theme is: “Together for a better internet” and as usual the focus is on making the internet as safe and secure as possible for all users, particularly young people…

Anti-Bullying Week 2019

It’s that time again — Anti-Bullying Week 2019. This year’s theme is: “Change Starts With Us”.

What does this mean? It means we are all responsible and we all have a part to play in combating bullying. Whether this is bullying in schools, workplace bullying or online bullying…

Media Literacy Education

Never before has it been so important to ensure young people understand the world around them and the messages they are bombarded with via the media. Our children are constantly showered with information via the internet (in the form of videos, social media, video games, forums etc) as well as TV, radio, newspapers and magazines. It is vital that they learn to discern where these messages…

Young People and Mental Health Awareness

According to a report by NHS Digital published in November 2018, mental health illnesses affect one in four older teenage girls aged 17–19, and one in eight people between the ages of 5 and 19 had a mental health disorder last year. Even more worrying, a quarter of 11–16-year olds with mental health problems had self-harmed or attempted suicide, increasing to 46%…

Tackling Workplace Bullying

Bullying at work is a serious problem and Anti-Bullying Week is a good time for companies to examine their employment policies regarding bullying.

Tackling bullying in a workplace setting can be a complex and delicate issue because what constitutes bullying can be incredibly subjective. So what defines bullying in the workplace? After all, what one person takes to heart, another person…

Anti-Bullying Week 2018

Anti-Bullying Week is with us again on Monday 12th–Friday 16th November — a time for schools, youth organisations and businesses everywhere to look at ways of preventing and tackling bullying.

Does your school or organisation have a robust anti-bullying policy in place? Does everyone know what to do if they are being bullied or if they know of someone else who is the target of bullying…

Should We Stop Saying ‘Commit Suicide’?

We have been using the expression ‘commit suicide’ when referring to people who take their own life. It has been brought to our attention that this term should not be used as it implies a crime has been ‘committed’. Going forward we will no longer use this term but instead will use other expressions such as ‘ended their own life’ or ‘died by suicide…

Is there a Link Between Antidepressants and Suicidal Thoughts?

Antidepressants are regularly prescribed for depression and are also used to reduce the risk of suicide. However, there is mounting evidence that antidepressants can cause suicidal thoughts in a person who previously had no thoughts of suicide…

Our Relationship with Alcohol

According to WHO (the World Health Organisation) alcohol is responsible for around 3.3 million deaths every year which is almost 6% of all deaths. This is a shocking statistic! Most alcohol-related deaths result from injuries, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and liver cirrhosis. There is also the danger of alcohol poisoning when people misjudge the effects of alcohol…

World Suicide Prevention Day 2018

In the past 45 years there has been a 60% increase in suicide rates worldwide, and the total number of annual suicides stands at almost 1 million. It is therefore vital that nations focus on World Suicide Prevention Day 2018 and develop strategies to help prevent this terrible loss of life. Remember — suicide is preventable…

Why Do People Join Gangs?

Gangs and gang violence are always in the news — and the high level of shootings and stabbings in inner cities is increasing at a phenomenal rate. Most of us view gangs as something frightening, to be avoided at all costs. However, to many people, mostly males from poor backgrounds, the appeal of gangs is very strong…

Anti-Bullying Week 2017

This week is Anti-Bullying Week and as always it is time for schools, youth organisations and businesses throughout the country to examine their anti-bullying policies and put measures in place to deal with bullying and other unacceptable behaviour.

Bullying is a pattern of deliberate behaviour that causes physical or emotional distress to the target…

Unrealistic Expectations at Christmas

One aspect of Christmas which causes problems is that of unrealistic expectations. We are bombarded with images in the media of what the perfect Christmas looks like when, in reality, there is no such thing.

We all want the ideal Christmas, and the focus is on perfect gifts, endless fun, great social activities, wonderful family gatherings, sparkling lights, beautiful Christmas carols, love and goodwill etc…

Bereavement at Christmas

Many people associate certain times each year with a sad time in their life. This may be due to depression, loneliness, redundancy or the loss of a loved one.

For those who are grieving because of the death of a loved one, Christmas can be a particularly difficult time. The fact that someone you love is no longer with you to enjoy the celebrations can be unbearable and the pain can be acute…

Family Problems at Christmas

Families can be a source of grief at Christmas. People are often obliged to spend time with relatives they would rather avoid. Families may be fragmented by marital breakdowns, divorce, long-standing feuds or other relationship conflicts. People also drink too much at Christmas which can cause arguments and even violence and the whole atmosphere can be one of stress and anxiety…

Financial Problems at Christmas

One of the biggest worries people have at Christmas is the financial cost. A recent survey found that around one million people in the United Kingdom are still paying for Christmas 2013. And no doubt their debt will get even bigger after Christmas 2014. Many people take out loans to cover the holiday period, and often this involves payday lenders or other loan companies…

Post-Christmas Blues

For some, Christmas is a depressing time of year and many people suffer from post-Christmas blues. Christmas can also be a time of great loneliness and the jollity surrounding the festive season can make loneliness particularly difficult to bear. Everyone seems to be having a good time with their friends and families, and this magnifies the feelings of loneliness…

Problems at Christmas

The Christmas holiday period is a time of happiness, love and sharing — a time when families and friends come together to share gifts and food. At least, that is what we are led to believe. But in reality, for many people, Christmas is a sad time of year. Instead of parties, celebrations, and family get-togethers, it is filled with worry, fear, loneliness and depression…

World Suicide Prevention Day 2014

According to the World Health Organisation, there are approximately one million suicides globally — this is one every 40 seconds. World Suicide Prevention Day is on 10th September 2014 and it is a day when all nations focus on worldwide action to prevent suicides…

Selfies — Do They Damage Self-Esteem?

Angle your smartphone, strike a flattering pose, eyes wide, cheekbones sucked in and snap! Hashtag your byline and upload to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Voila, your selfie is visible for all to see! Self portraits, or the selfie, is the hugely popular phenomenon of recent times. The trend made popular by modern icons like Kim Kardashian and Justin Beiber has evolved on a huge level and really came to the public’s attention with Ellen DeGeneres’ photo at the Oscars ceremony…

Safer Internet Day 2014

Safer Internet Day is organised in the UK by the UK Safer Internet Centre.

The internet is a valuable tool, and young people need to be taught how to use it wisely so that they stay safe. There are lots of things parents and teachers can do to ensure young people are safe online…

Clare’s Law

The devastating murder of Clare Wood at the hands of her violent ex-boyfriend George Appleton in February 2009 was the event that brought into effect the scheme known as Clare’s Law. This piloted policy allows women to check police records to see if a new partner has a violent past. Such a scheme could generally be viewed as an effective way to tackle the domestic violence…

Social Services in Ireland and the Roma Community

On October 21st 2013, a child was removed from her parents’ home in Tallaght by the Gards. On October 22nd it was reported that a 7-year old blonde haired, blue eyed girl was removed from the care of her parents and family home… because a question had been raised regarding her parentage. She did not look like her mum and dad. This followed the hype when a child…

Russell Brand and Jeremy Paxman Interview

The Russell Brand interview conducted by Jeremy Paxman on 23rd October 2013 has been an internet sensation. Much has been made of the fact that Brand has never voted in an election. But just because Brand does not exercise his right to vote, this does not mean he should not have a political opinion. In fact, a lot of what he said made perfect sense…

Young People and Drug Abuse

A question many parents and teachers ask is: “What can we do to prevent young people experimenting with drugs?” This is a difficult question, and one which causes much disagreement and debate. But it is a question that needs to be addressed.

The drug-related death of somebody famous will often draw the nation’s attention to the issue of drug abuse (we can think of famous people such as River Phoenix, Kurt Cobain, Michael Jackson, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix to name a few)…

Anti-Bullying Week 2013

National Anti-Bullying Week 2013 takes place from 18th–22nd November. This year the focus is on cyberbullying and it provides an opportunity to examine the use of new technologies — the aim is to use them as a means to promote positive communication rather than cyberbullying…

Limerick Cyberbullying Forum 2013

Cyberbullying is rarely out of the news and we regularly hear reports where abusive messages have been spread by email, Facebook and Twitter as well as other social networking sites. In extreme cases, young people have been driven to suicide because they were unable to cope with the emotional trauma of being cyberbullied. Cyberbullying is clearly a very serious challenge for parents…

Diary of Peter Smith

I got up late again this morning and I ran to the station to catch my train. Just as I reached the ticket machine, a young man in a shirt and tie pushed in front of me. As he turned and grinned I wanted to say something but I bit my tongue and said nothing…

How to Decide on a Career

Deciding on a career can be challenging and sometimes school leavers and graduates struggle to know where to begin. There are so many career paths to choose from, and there is also the worry that you will not be able to find a job in your chosen career. When considering a career, it is vital to examine your values and beliefs and think about the areas that are important to you…

Entrepreneurship

We regularly hear the word ‘entrepreneur’ in the media. The UK government regularly talks about providing help to encourage entrepreneurship as a strategy to combat unemployment. It is certainly true that the most dynamic societies in the world are the ones that have the most entrepreneurs. So what is an entrepreneur, and why are they such an important part…

Suicide Myths

There are a number of myths related to suicide and many people find it difficult to separate fact from fiction. We will look at some of the most common misunderstandings…

All Resources’ Work Ethics

As with many companies, All Resources strives to be ethical in all its actions. As a business we are passionate about our customers’ success and we keep this at the forefront in all our actions. We provide products and services that meet our customers’ needs and which are easy to understand and easy to use…

Anti-Bullying Week 2012

Anti-Bullying Week is here again and it is a fantastic opportunity for organisations and schools all over the country to examine their anti-bullying policies

Bullying is a regular form of deliberate behaviour that causes the target physical or emotional distress and can be carried out by an individual or a group over a period of time…

Cyberbullying

In our technology-driven world, cyberbullying is fast becoming the bullying method of choice. Cyberbullying takes place via text messages, emails, instant messages, online forums, chat rooms, social networks etc. Because of the anonymous nature of this type of bullying, it can be difficult to trace the people responsible…

Smoking-Related Health Hazards

Current or former smokers make up 90% of patients with lung cancer and smokers have a 70% greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Women who smoke 40 or more cigarettes daily have a 74% greater chance of dying from breast cancer. Many of these statistics are widely publicised and many smokers know of the risks to their health in relation to tobacco smoking…

Why Do Some Schools not Recognise Bullying?

Some head teachers/principals are reluctant to admit their school has a bullying problem. This can happen for a number of reasons. Some may be worried about the effect this admission will have on the school’s reputation, while others are concerned about the time and money required to deal effectively with bullying…

The Warning Signs of Suicide

One of the most devastating aspects of suicide is the feeling of helplessness. Could I have done something to prevent this tragedy? What were the signs that something was wrong? Should I have realised they were feeling this way? Why didn’t they talk to me?…

Tackling Youth Unemployment

In the UK, 1.03 million young people aged 16–24 are unemployed and the rate of youth unemployment, at 22.2%, remains high. At 17.9%, Northern Ireland has one of the highest rates of youth unemployment in the UK and the number of young people without a job there has doubled since 2008. It is obvious that urgent action is needed…

World No Tobacco Day 2012

Thursday 31st May is ‘World No Tobacco Day 2012’. It is a day full of activities to make people aware of numerous smoking-related health problems such as cancer of the mouth, larynx, throat, oesophagus, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, bladder, kidney, and cervix, as well as stroke, heart attack and chronic lung disease. It is also an opportunity to have a no smoking day…

The ‘No Blame’ Approach to Bullying

Many schools throughout the world use a method of dealing with bullying called the ‘no blame’ approach. It is also known as the ‘shared concern’ method, as well as the ‘support group’ approach and was introduced in Sweden by Anatol Pikas…