Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:78 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has satisfied himself with measures that are in place to deal with bullying in schools; and if he has proposals in this regard. [30996/03]
Written Answers. - Bullying in Schools.
Individual school management authorities are responsible for implementing effective policies to counter bullying in schools. There is no requirement for individual school management authorities to report incidences of bullying to my Department. However, I am very aware of the issue of bullying in schools and my Department has moved to tackle it on a number of fronts. The education of students in primary and post-primary schools about anti-bullying behaviour is a central part of the social, personal and health education curriculum. The social, personal and health education programme is part of the curriculum in every primary school and is also a mandatory component of the junior cycle in all second level schools. The content of the programme reflects current best practice in the area of educating children in relation to bullying.
As part of school development planning, schools are advised to have stated policies and to develop plans on discipline, health and safety and countering bullying behaviour. Parental involvement in the planning process is encouraged. Through their representation on boards of management and parents associations, parents can readily be consulted in the clarification and development of these policies and plans. The purpose of guidelines put in place in 1994 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.
The national educational psychological service is also available as a support service to schools in which individual students encounter difficulties.