Richard Bruton
Ceist:163 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will introduce anti-bullying programmes in all schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19458/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 30 June 2004
Ceisteanna (102)
Freagraí scríofa
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.
The education of students in both primary and post-primary schools in regard to anti-bullying behaviour is also a central part of the social, personal and health education, SPHE, curriculum.