Young people in Carmarthenshire could be at greater risk of cyber-bullying and other online risks unless young people are supported to keep safe online, the Welsh Government has said.

Bullying currently affects thousands of children in Wales and instances of cyber-bullying are on the rise. The Welsh Government is attempting to tackle the issue through its anti-bullying campaign - Bullying is Everyone's Business.

To raise awareness of the importance of online safety, Welsh Government held an event at the Senedd on Safer Internet Day, February 7, to where Cabinet Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams launched an Online Safety Zone on Hwb, the national digital learning platform for Wales.

The new Online Safety Zone is a dedicated area on Hwb designed to help keep children safe online. It will signpost those dealing with the effects of online bullying or any online safety issue towards appropriate support services.

As part of the campaign, the Welsh Government is encouraging people across the region to make bullying everyone’s business. Kirsty Williams wants to see young people, teachers, parents and professionals in Carmarthenshire become more online-savvy.

Kirsty Williams said: “There is nothing more important than the safety of our young people, and knowing how to keep them safe online is a key priority for me. It is essential we teach our children and young people how to use the internet safely and responsibly as well as equip them with the skills to be able to think critically and navigate the digital world in a safe and responsible way."

If you know someone dealing with the effects of bullying, or you yourself are the victim of online abuse or any form of bullying, visit meiccymru.org for information and to access support services.