O2 Launch Service to Combat Mobile Bullying
Dublin, Monday 25 May 2009 - O2 today announced details of a new service to combat bullying on mobile phones. Called Block It, the new service, which is free of charge, allows O2 customers to block unwanted text, picture and video messages from other mobile phone numbers. The service, which will be available from mid-June, can block messages sent from any Irish mobile network, and will work on any mobile handset.
Block It is easy to use. To initially set up the service, a customer can simply text BLOCK IT START to 50216. Once registered, to block a number the customer texts the word BLOCK and the mobile phone number to 50216. This will stop all text, picture and video messages coming from this number. It is as simple for customers to unblock numbers if they want to do so.
Block It has been developed for O2 by Irish messaging services company Anam Mobile.
Speaking at the launch of the new service, Barry Andrews TD, Minister for Children said: “I welcome this new initiative, and O2’s commitment to finding solutions to the problem of bullying on mobile phones. Peer bullying is a blight on many children’s social, educational and emotional development and modern technology has become another means by which hurtful messages can be delivered. Mobile phones are a great way for us all to stay connected and any abuse of this form of communication should not be allowed to overshadow its many benefits.”
Damian Devaney, Marketing Director - Telefónica O2 Ireland said: “Bullying is unacceptable behaviour which we all have a role to play in trying to combat. While the problem of bullying is not a new one, the ways in which it happens are changing. In recognition of this, we have launched Block It which is the latest phase of O2’s campaign to promote the safer and more responsible use of mobile phones. Block It has been specifically designed to empower our younger customers, allowing them to get on with their lives without the fear of receiving unwanted hurtful or mean text, video or picture messages.”
Click here to visit the Block ITsection of the O2 website