Magherafelt teenagers’ in reality play about cyber bullying and suicide

Drama teacher Elaine Kelly, who penned the play, said it focuses on the life of a teenage girl who becomes the victim of bullies and feels like she can’t escape because the Internet is everywhere.

Ms Kelly said the play - called ‘Expectation for Perfection’ - contains harrowing scenes designed to make young people think carefully before they post something that could be hurtful.

“The aim of this play is to educate and inform our audience of teenagers and young people about how to deal with these issues, if ever faced with them,” she continued

She said in making a comment on Facebook or replying to one, children often don’t realise that they could be bullying another person.

“The play is hard-hitting and we hope our audience get the message that once something is posted online, they can never get it back and their actions online can have a devastating impact on the life of the victim. Could they live with the consequences?”

Ulster Unionist Party Children and Young People’s spokesperson, Sandra Overend welcomed the efforts by Sperrin College in raising the dangers of cyber bullying.

Mrs Overend, who recently renewed her call for the Executive to bring forward an internet safety strategy, said Mid Ulster schools are proactive in advising pupils about the risks faced by children and young people online.

“I think that this is the first time I’ve heard of a local school using a play to deal with the issue of cyber bullying,” she added. “It’s often difficult to get into the minds of young people and this could be a way.”