Seán Haughey
Question:216 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make the implementation of the guidelines on bullying mandatory on schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19108/02]
Written Answers. - School Discipline.
The education of students in primary and post-primary schools regarding anti-bullying behaviour is a central part of the social, personal and health education curriculum. The social, personal and health education programme is part of the curriculum in every primary school and, by September 2003, will be a mandatory component of the junior cycle in all second level schools. The content of the programme reflects current best practice in the area of educating children in relation to bullying.
The guidelines to which the Deputy refers were put in place in 1994 as an aid to schools in devising their individual anti-bullying strategies. I do not consider that making these guidelines mandatory now would be of any real benefit in this area.