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Greater parental involvement 'needed to tackle bullying'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 05/11/2012.
Tags: Education And PoliticsConsultations with children aged between 13 and 17-years-old have revealed pupils would like to see more involvement from parents and students when it comes to implementing anti-bullying policies.
Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, Children's Ombudsman Emily Logan explained how she discussed cyber-bullying with 300 teenagers in a bid to gather information that can be used to help schools develop strategies on managing bullying.
It was noted that many students not only felt sympathetic towards victims, but also the perpetrators, claiming many may be acting out in response to problems at home or in their community.
"I think children are keen that … teachers and principals reach out into their communities to engage with parents and the children in trying to resolve these problems," Ms Logan stated.
The consultations revealed that many youngsters believe more information that explains what cyber bullying entails needs to be made available.
Special school assemblies held at the start of the year were suggested as one way for principals explain what forms harassment can take and that it will not be tolerated.
Written by Donal Walsh
Ted Bradley
(05-11-2012 16:07)
Donal, you are probably getting sick of my comments as generally they are on the same theme. In this case its yet again I am highlighting the fact presently in most Schools Parents aren't entitled to a say. There are two Parents on the school Board but they aren't there to represent Parents, an oxymoron and the role of Parent Assoc. is to support the school. So if a school wants to, and I know this can be the case, they can entirely ignore Parents, to get Parents involved in Schools it would be necessary to give them a voice. This requires a change in the legislation and Board structures.
Oh, just for the record I talked about this to the Ombudsman office only recently, they said they already knew but what can they do! I'd like to think the comments Ms. Logan have been party inspired by my nagging them. You can tell I am a very modest person.
Thanks again. Maybe keep my comments on record and just cut and paste them to the appropriate articles.
SchoolDays
(05-11-2012 14:06)
The report also recognises that cyber-bullying is a big issue and said schools had a larger role to play in encouraging pupils to deal with the problem.
Among the recommendations are:
* schools should explain exactly what cyber-bullying is, and the forms it can take
* schoolgoers should be encouraged to take responsibility for their words and actions online
* pupils should be educated about the impact their words and actions can have in a real-life setting
* pupils should be made aware of the adverse consequences of cyber-bullying, such as a permanent record of their actions
* giving advice on how pupils should act including taking screen grabs and speaking to trusted adults
On the whole, the report recommends that schools look to establish a culture where it is seen as acceptable to speak out about bullying, and where students do not feel pressure about telling on their bully.