Following recent media reports of teenagers orchestrating attacks and fights to capture on their phones and share footage online, Dr Noctor spoke on the issue on RTÉ One’s Claire Byrne Live on 13 January.
When asked what teenagers gain from uploading this kind of footage online, Dr Noctor explains that although the causes of violence are complex, the sharing part of it can be understood.
"It’s about social currency and it’s about getting likes: violence is click-bait.”
Dr Noctor emphasizes that the speed at which content is uploaded and the extent to which it travels online can cause “quite extensive psychological and self-esteem damage for young people”. While acknowledging this, Dr Noctor also explores the positive actions young people and parents can take to address this behavior.
Supports discussed include self-defence classes for young people and the importance of a young person having one good adult in their life.
Dr Noctor also emphasizes that:
"we need to encourage the bystander to stop liking these videos. We can be empowered to be upstanding rather than bystanding."
Dr Colman Noctor speaking on Claire Byrne Live
"Violence is click-bait" - child psychotherapist @colnoc77 joined #CBLive to discuss attacks involving teenagers. pic.twitter.com/zi8FDazPrY
— Claire Byrne Live (@ClaireByrneLive) January 13, 2020
The segment on addressing teenage violence starts at 7 minutes and ends at 20 minutes in.
Watch back Claire Byrne Live broadcast on 13 January 2020
Additional Resources
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Where can I get help to remove online footage of me?
If suspected illegal video footage of you has been uploaded online without your consent, you can contact Hotline.ie
Hotline.ie works in collaboration with An Garda Síochána and it only deals with reports referring to suspected illegal content encountered on the Internet.
If you are not sure if the online material is illegal or not, report it to the Hotline.ie to be assessed.
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Where can I find more information about online safety?
‘Be Safe Online’ is the Government’s campaign to highlight ways to help you stay safe online.
The campaign provides access to a wide range of online safety resources. -
How do I report content on a specific social media channel?
SpunOut has a great online safety resource on how you can report content on each social media platform.
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Where can parents get advice?
WebWise provides helpful information and advice for parents here.
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Where can teachers get advice?
Teachers can access helpful advice from WebWise here