A new study by a team at DCU has found that almost 10% of teachers surveyed were victims of cyberbullying and that 15% were aware of a colleague experiencing online bullying in the past 12 months.
The research, which was carried out by DCU's National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre (ABC), questioned 577 post-primary teachers on the issue of cyberbullying.
The cyberbullying was defined as "the creation of digital texts, images and recordings that portray the teacher in ways that are demeaning and/or ridicule the teacher which are then transmitted to others."
The study found that cyberbullying was mainly perpetrated by pupils (59%) with most of this victimisation taking place on social media.
The teachers who participated said they experienced greater levels of stress, with many reporting that it had significantly impacted their day.
The research also found that less than half had received anti-bullying training.
The report recommends a greater level of support for teachers' well-being and online safety.
Liam Challenor, a doctoral researcher at ABC, said the reported impact of cyberbullying ranged from increased anxiety and stress levels, negative impacts on their working environment and a reluctance to report the issue and seek help from management.
"The findings of this research show that some post-primary teachers in Ireland experience cyberbullying from pupils, parents and other school staff.
This victimisation has a significant impact on the well-being of these teachers and on a teacher's role within a school context. It requires further supports to reduce cyberbullying in schools and to support everyone within the school community", Mr Challenor said.
