Written answers
Tuesday, 28 November 2006
Department of Education and Science
Bullying in Schools
10:00 am
Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Education and Science her response to More than a Phase, a resource guide for the inclusion of young lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and transgender learners, published by Pobal in October 2006; if she will address the need to ensure that schools, colleges and teachers are addressing the needs of these students effectively and inclusively, and that they are protected from bullying; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40162/06]
Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Regarding implementation of the resource guide in question by organisations in the youth sector, the position is that publication of the resource is to be welcomed and it complements existing resources available in this sector under the National Youth Health Programme operated by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI).
In relation to schools, the Deputy will be aware that every school is required to have in place a policy which includes specific measures to deal with bullying behaviour. This policy should be developed within the framework of an overall school Code of Behaviour and Discipline. Such a code, properly devised and implemented, can be the most influential measure in countering bullying behaviour in schools.
In view of the increasing demands which have been placed on schools as a result of statutory obligations and the requirement for policies in a range of areas, my Department has been working to ensure greater availability of guidelines and template policies to assist schools. In August of this year, I announced the publication on my Department's website of policy templates for post-primary schools in five key areas, including anti-bullying, as part of our ongoing efforts in this regard. The template documents are not prescriptive, but rather highlight possible approaches and potential material for inclusion in school policies.
The anti-bullying policy template is based primarily on the key document Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour, 1993. However, it does take account of more recent legislative and regulatory changes, and reference is also made to issues of contemporary concern such as the need to tackle text bullying, cyber-bullying and homophobic bullying.
The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is at present developing guidelines for schools on Codes of Behaviour, as provided for under section 23 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000. Once the NEWB Guidelines are in place, my Department will commence the process of revising and updating its own Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour. The issue of homophobic bullying will be further addressed in this context and resources such as the Pobal Guide will help to inform this review process.
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