Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004
136 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has made progress with regard to the introduction of a national anti-bullying programme in all schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20966/04]
View answerIndividual school management authorities are responsible for implementing effective policies to counter bullying in their schools. My Department has issued guidelines on countering bullying behaviour to all primary and post-primary schools to assist schools in devising school-based measures to prevent and deal with instances of bullying behaviour and to increase awareness of the problem among school management authorities, staff, pupils and parents.
Each school authority is responsible for formulating a written code of behaviour and discipline, which should include specific measures to counter bullying behaviour. The education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in relation to anti-bullying behaviour is also a central part of the social, personal and health education curriculum.
