Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
126. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Education the strategy to prevent and tackle bullying in schools, including plans to engage with relevant stakeholders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4667/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan on Bullying, which was published in 2013, sets out my Department's approach to tackling bullying in schools. These actions focus on support for schools, teacher training, research and awareness raising and aim to ensure that all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying, are addressed.
As part of the implementation of the Action Plan anti-bullying procedures for all primary and post primary schools, which include a specific reference to cyberbullying, were published at the beginning of the 2013/14 school year. The procedures are designed to give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in preventing and tackling school-based bullying behaviour amongst its pupils and in dealing with any negative impact within school of bullying behaviour that occurs elsewhere. They include specific requirements in relation to the use of prevention and education strategies and the consistent investigation, follow up and recording of bullying behaviour.
My Department provides extensive training and curricular supports through the Social Personal Health Education (SPHE) curriculum The Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST) and The Webwise Programme to assist schools in the development of policies and practices on the safe use of the internet and on the prevention of bullying including cyber-bullying.
On the 19th January I provided an update to Cabinet on the measures to tackle and prevent bullying in schools including progress in relation to anti-bullying work currently being delivered by my Department and the commencement of a review of both the 2013 Action Plan on Bullying and the 2013 Anti-bullying procedures for Primary and Post-Primary schools. This review will take account of developments and relevant research since the action plan and procedures were published in 2013 and will specifically consider areas such as cyber bullying, gender identity bullying and sexual harassment.
The review will also give detailed consideration to the recommendations contained in the Oireachtas Joint Committee Report on School Bullying and the Impact on Mental Health.
It will involve significant consultation and collaboration across my Department, with other Government Departments and Bodies including the Ombudsman for Children, and will also involve consultation with a broad range of education stakeholders, including parents and students.
The Steering Committee for the review consists of senior officials from within my Department, including the Inspectorate and the National Educational Psychological Service, the National Parents Council Primary, National Parents Council Post-Primary, Irish Second Level Students Union, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the National Anti-bullying Research Centre in DCU and other external experts and representatives of advocacy organisations.
