Vol. 441 No. 5
25 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Education if she is concerned at the level of schoolyard bullying; the steps, if any, that are being introduced to curb this throughout the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I was aware for some time of an increase in the reported incidence of bullying behaviour in primary and post-primary schools. Accordingly, in April 1993, I established an expert working group to produce draft guidelines to counter such behaviour in schools. The group's draft guidelines were presented to me in June 1993 and subsequently they were sent to managerial authorities, teacher unions and the National Parents' Council for observations.
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.
I believe that 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 of bullying. When staff, pupils and parents are involved in the development of a school behaviour policy, they are more likely to actively support it. I am confident, therefore, that the guidelines, which were issued to primary and post-primary schools, will assist schools in identifying the incidence of bullying in our in reducing the level of bullying in our schools. I expect the guidelines to be adopted by each school board of management.
