A conference aimed at addressing cyberbullying will see school principals call for increased funding and training to tackle the growing problem.

The national cyberbullying conference will take place in Dublin City University (DCU) today, and comes as recent surveys show increases in the number of victims and in those involved.

The event is being organised by the anti-bullying centre in DCU and Bully4U.

It and will be attended by a number of international experts including contributors from Facebook and Ask.fm.

A recent survey by the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals found 16% of Irish students have experienced bullying online - that is a 33% increase on 2013.

The conference aims to educate and empower parents, teachers and and health professionals in providing support to victims and developing cyberbullying prevention and intervention.

The conference will be chaired by TD Mary Mitchell-O'Connor, and will be officially opened by Seán Kelly, MEP for the digital agenda.

Jim Harding is from Bully4U and says parents are becoming more aware of the pitfalls out there.