A group of transition year students from St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar have launched their book on cyber bullying, confidence and self esteem titled ‘Be Who You Are’.
The book is targeted at the 5-12 year old age group and narrates scenarios of cyber bullying, self esteem and confidence issues felt by children within this demographic.
The book centres around a ‘Good Will Fairy’ named Lana, who visits 4 children affected by cyber-bullying and confidence issues. The book was developed by the transition year students, in the hope that teachers, youth workers and parents could read the book with children, so as, to enhance their confidence and enable the children to understand that there is hope when you feel despair.
This book has been written and illustrated by children for children. Cyber bullying, issues of low self esteem and confidence are key problem areas for many children in Donegal and beyond.
The launch night took place in Stranorlar Parish Centre and was endorsed by Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher, MEP who attended the launch. Pat spoke at length about the merits of the book and the fact that the book had been written by peers for their peers. He outlined his delight in being associated with the book and highlighted the need for a European approach to tackling issues such as those highlighted in the book.
A large attendance was at the launch and it is hoped that the message of the book is far reaching. He commended Aoife Kelly, Roisin Doherty, Tamara Bradley and Siobhan Mc Menamin from Stararts Mini Company, St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar on their hard work in getting this book from a simple idea to a reality.
Niall Mulrine, CyberSafetyAdvice.com also spoke at the event and warned parents on the importance of being vigilant about children’s online usage. He highlighted the importance of communication with your children and has endorsed the book as a ‘must read’ for all parents of young children.
Anyone interested in purchasing this book can do so through Amazon.com, The Bookshop, Ballybofey or Books and Charts, Dungloe. The book is priced at €5 and a percentage of the money raised in the sale of this book will go to the Bluestack Foundation.
