Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:1096 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the measures in place to support children and teachers who report bullying in school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1085/02]
Written Answers. - School Discipline.
Individual school management authorities are responsible for implementing effective policies to counter bullying in schools. In 1993 my Department issued "Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour" to all primary and post-primary schools. The purpose of the guidelines was 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. 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 report on discipline, commissioned by my Department, and completed by Dr. Maeve Martin deals comprehensively with the issue of discipline in schools, and sets out models of best practice in this area. A copy of the report has been made available to all schools. Furthermore, where staff within my Department receive telephone calls regarding instances of bullying, advice and assistance is offered by staff to the callers. In addition, my Department will examine specific complaints regarding alleged instances of bullying behaviour, but only after every effort has been made at school level to resolve the matter. The National Educational Psychological Service is also available as a support service to schools in relation to individual students who encounter difficulties.