Teenager Describes Impact Of Alleged Assault & Online Abuse In New Ross

A 14-year-old girl has spoken about the physical and emotional impact of an alleged assault in New Ross as her family raises concerns about the effect of prolonged online abuse on young people.

The teenager says she was out with friends close to the River Barrow when another girl approached her and began shouting at her before allegedly kicking her.

She later attended hospital where she says she was diagnosed with a mild head injury.

In the days following the incident, the teenager said she experienced headaches, dizziness, ringing in her ears and difficulty sleeping.

She said she has had to leave school early on a number of occasions because of the symptoms.

“I feel okay overall, but something doesn’t feel right. I don’t know how to explain that,” she said.

The teenager also said that she has experienced online abuse for around two years, including being added to group chats where she says she was targeted by other young people.

Speaking to Alan Corcoran her mother said the family had never experienced anything similar before and believes social media is contributing to the pressures facing young teenagers.

She said the family has contacted Gardaí and the school and is arranging psychological support for her daughter.

The teenager said the support she has received since the incident has helped her cope.

“I thought that everyone would be laughing at me and making fun of me, but I’ve been getting support and it helps me get through it,” she said.

The family says the teenager is continuing to recover from the incident