Bullying in Schools.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004

Wednesday, 17 November 2004

Questions (557)

Olwyn Enright

Question:

580 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made on the recommendation in the report of the task force on autism of October 2001 that her Department identify and circulate a formal standard policy and guidelines on anti-bullying, that anti-bullying policies and proactive protection strategies be implemented and that bullying prevention and the way in which to respond to this issue form part of teacher education, particularly for students with AS-HFA; if such a recommendation has been carried out; if so, the extent to which; if not completed, when it will be completed. [29474/04]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Science (Ms Hanafin)

Individual 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. A further circular in 1994 reminded school authorities of their responsibility in formulating a written code of behaviour and discipline, which should include specific measures to counter bullying behaviour.

The guidelines provide advice on the procedures for investigating allegations of bullying and for dealing with substantiated instances.

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.

Questions Nos. 581 and 582 answered with Question No. 577.

Question No. 583 answered with QuestionNo. 539.

Questions Nos. 584 to 590, inclusive, answered with Question No. 577.