As part of the governments “Action plan on Bullying” which was announced last year, all 4,000 primary schools and post primary schools must have their anti-bullying policy in place by 11th April next.

Schools were provided with a template by the Department of Education. However the template can be adapted to meet the needs and circumstances of the pupils and school as long as it covers physical, verbal and cyber bullying. Future ‘whole school inspections’ will also focus on the actions schools take to create a positive school culture and to prevent and tackle bullying.

In a move welcomed by teacher associations, the Education Minister Ruairí Quinn, has announced that his Department is to provide another €60,000 for anti-bullying training for parents. Last year, the Department provided similar funding to support the delivery of 105 anti-bullying parent training sessions to 3,279 participants nationwide. The Anti-Bullying Parent Training Programme is being run jointly by the National Parents Council Primary (NPC-P).

The training sessions are available nationwide and provide supports to parents to enable them to assist their children when issues of bullying arise. "I would encourage all parents to attend these sessions. Being informed, will empower you to help your child deal with issues of bullying," said Minister Quinn.

Comments