Dr. Angela Mazzone:

I have just a brief comment in response to Deputy Ó Cathasaigh's observation that instances of physical forms of bullying are tending to decrease, based on the UNESCO report. Of course that is an encouraging result but, at the same time, we need to keep in mind that the older children become, the more they use subtle forms of bullying, that is, relational forms of bullying such as rumours and gossip. In addition, there is qualitative research showing that children tend to trivialise bullying. Oftentimes they do not react when bullying happens because they are used to a certain type of language, which is offensive and harmful to some targeted children. My point is that bullying can take subtle forms. Of course it is a good and an encouraging result that instances of physical forms of bullying are tending to decrease thanks to the whole education approach but, at the same time, we need to address and raise awareness of subtle forms of bullying.