Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
263. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if a circular will be prepared and sent to all schools outlining a detailed policy on tackling cyber bullying, in view of the recent cases of suicide caused by such; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51494/12]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that tackling the issue of bullying in schools is a key objective of this Government. It was for that reason that an Anti-Bullying Forum was held earlier this year.
As a follow on to that Forum, I invited the stakeholders and any other interested parties to submit their views on this important topic to my Department by 29th June 2012.
I have also established a working group to address the issue of tackling bullying in schools, including cyber-bullying. Over the last few months, the Group has been consulting with a range of stakeholders and with colleagues in Scotland and the UK. The Group is working on an action plan recommending further measures that can be taken to effectively tackle bullying, including cyber bullying, in schools. I expect the Group to submit the action plan to me by the end of November.
