Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Bullying in Educational Institutions

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022

Thursday, 10 March 2022

Ceisteanna (298)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

298. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education if all procedures are being followed to ensure support is being given to the child of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13754/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm to the Deputy that the matter to which he refers is known to my Officials who have followed the Department’s procedures relating to this matter and have written directly to the individual named on the 4th March 2022

For a child or young person, the experience of bullying can be a deeply traumatic one, and stands in direct opposition to the sense of security, opportunity, and nourishment which we hope all of our students feel in the school system. I know that bullying experienced by even one child or young person is one too many and I commit to doing all that I can to prevent its occurrence. Coming from the school sector, I know how seriously this issue is treated by schools, but I also know we must do all that we can to support schools in addressing it.

Under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 all schools are required to have in place a code of behaviour that accords with Developing a Code of Behaviour: Guidelines for Schools as published by the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB), now referred to as the Educational Welfare Service (EWS). Each school is required to have an anti-bullying policy within its overall code of behaviour.  The anti-bullying procedures are underpinned by this legal framework and all schools are required to comply with them.

Under the procedures, all school boards of management are required to adopt and implement an anti-bullying policy which fully complies with the requirements of these procedures.  A template anti-bullying policy which must be used by all schools for this purpose is included in the procedures. In accordance with the Anti-Bullying Procedures, where a parent is not satisfied that a school has dealt with a bullying case in accordance with the procedures the parents must be referred, as appropriate to the schools complaints procedures.  Where there is cause for complaint from a parent matters would normally be addressed to the individual teacher or school Principal as appropriate. If matters cannot be resolved at that level then a complaint can be addressed to the school’s Board of Management. 

 Anti-bullying procedures for all primary and post primary schools are available on the gov.ie website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/cb6966-anti-bullying-procedures-for-primary-and-post-primary-schools/ .

In addition the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) provides a psychological service to schools through the application of psychological theory and practice to support the well-being, inclusion and participation of all children and young people in the school setting.

Parents who are concerned about their child should make contact with the school principal to discuss the situation. The school principal can request a consultation with the psychologist assigned to the school, if deemed appropriate.

There are also a variety of services available to young children to provide support and advice on their well-being and mental health.  I have included contact details for a number of these below that may be of assistance.

- National Parents Council:

- The National Parents Council Information/Helpline is a confidential service for parents.  The Information/Helpline officers listen, and give information and support to parents to help them make the best possible decisions for and with their children: Information/Helpline: Tel: 01 887 4477 (Monday - Tuesday 10am - 4pm; Wednesday - Friday 10am - 5pm) Email : helpline@npc.ie

- Childline.ie:

- Their contact number is Freephone 1800 66 66 66 or Free Text: 50101. They will be able to talk to you regarding your current situation and can help you.  If you do not have access to a phone you can carry out a live message chat online with them.

- Tackle Bullying:

- Tackle Bullying is a national website to counter bullying and cyberbullying for young people, parents and teachers. They are funded by the Department of Education under the 2013 Action Plan in Bullying (2013) and our site provides a single point of contact for those who are affected or concerned about Bullying and Cyberbullying-related incidents. Website: www.tacklebullying.ie/

Barr
Roinn