Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:92 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education the extent of bullying in the primary and second level sectors. [4261/96]
Written Answers. - Bullying in Schools.
The authorities of primary or second-level schools are not required to notify my Department of bullying cases in their schools and, consequently, I am not in a position to supply the Deputy with the information he has requested.
I established an expert working group in 1993 to produce draft guidelines to counter such behaviour in schools. Following consultations with the education partners, the guidelines on countering bullying behaviour were issued to all schools in September 1993. 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 to 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 and in reducing the level of bullying in our schools. I expect the guidelines to be adopted by each school board of management.
It is suggested in the guidelines that schools monitor the effectiveness of school policy on this issue and their views will, of course, be taken into account in any review of the guidelines.