Schools will be forced to tackle bullying

Schools will be mandated to draw up anti-bullying procedures in line with national criteria under plans to be published by the Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn today.

The criteria which have been developed following a review of existing guidelines, will apply to the 4,000 primary and secondary schools in the State.

Among the demands being made by the Minister of all schools is that they must detail to parents how they are tackling bullying complaints and school boards will also have to be given regular updates of unresolved cases.

Schools must set out clearly their procedures on dealing with bullying. Each school’s policy must be developed in consultation with parents, students, and all school staff.

Their policy must have as their central aim the creation of a positive school culture and climate that is inclusive and welcoming of difference, a Department statement said this morning.