Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 10

Written Answers. - Bullying Behaviour.

Desmond J. O'Malley

Question:

35 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the new information now becoming available about widescale bullying in schools, she will give the plans, if any, she has in relation to this; the way in which she intends to have these plans implemented; and the steps, if any, she intends to put in place to monitor the progress of her plans.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Education the methods that are used to determine the extent of school bullying; if she can quantify the full extent of the problem at present; if an increase has been noted; the measures, if any, she proposes which are most likely to combat the problem; when she expects an improvement in the situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 149 together.

I have been aware for some time of an increase in the reported incidence of bullying in primary and post-primary schools. Accordingly, last April, I established an expert working group to produce draft guidelines for me to counter such behaviour in schools. The group's draft guidelines were forwarded to me in June 1993 and subsequently to the relevant groups, that is managerial authorities, teacher unions and the National Parents' Council, for observations.

I am very glad to be in a position to say that I launched the finalised guidelines on 30 September last, and I am confident that they will prove to be of very real benefit and assistance to schools in both preventing, and dealing with, bullying behaviour in our schools. Every child has the right to attend school in an atmosphere of caring and calm. Victims of bullying behaviour are clearly denied this right. Bullying behaviour is unacceptable and must be seen as such by teachers, parents and pupils. The guidelines state that the creation of a positive school climate which focuses on respect for the individual, is at the centre of a whole school response to bullying. When staff, pupils and parents are involved in the development of a school behaviour policy, they are more likely actively to support it. I am confident, therefore, that the guidelines, which are being issued to primary and post-primary schools this week, will assist schools in identifying the incidence of bullying and in reducing the level of bullying in our schools. I expect the guidelines to be adopted by each school board of management.

It is suggested in my guidelines that schools monitor the effectiveness of school policy on this issue and their views will, of course, be taken into account in my review of the guidelines. I will be closely monitoring the number and type of bullying behaviour cases reported to my Department during the present school year and I will review the situation at the end of that school year.