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Parents 'to be informed of school anti-bullying practices'
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 13/09/2013.
Tags: Parenting Parenting KidsParents are to be informed of the actions schools in Ireland are taking to tackle bullying complaints.
New anti-bullying procedures are being launched by Education Minister Ruairi Quinn today (September 13th) - and, for the first time, the rules will also focus on abuse conducted via the internet, otherwise known as cyberbullying, the Irish Examiner reports.
The new regulations aim to set out clearly just what is expected of schools in efforts to prevent the spread of bullying, while regular updates of cases that are still unresolved will have to be passed on to school boards.
According to the rules, it will be viewed as bullying behaviour when a pupil places a one-off "offensive or hurtful public message, image or statement on a social network site or other public forum where that message, image or statement can be viewed and/or repeated by other people".
It was noted that while one-off incidents such as texts and private messages should not be viewed as bullying, schools are encouraged to use their judgement on such matters by consulting their codes of behaviour.
Written by Donal Walsh
SchoolDays
(13-09-2013 14:28)
ASTI Statement 13/9/13
The ASTI has welcomed the publication today of anti-bullying procedures for schools by the Minister for Education and Skills Ruair Quinn.
The procedures will complement the valuable work being carried out by second-level schools in seeking to create an awareness and understanding of bullying amongst children and young people, and in promoting learning environments which are inclusive and respectful to all, said ASTI General Secretary, Pat King.
Mr King said the new procedures will provide clarity for schools by establishing a common definition of bullying, including cyber bullying, and ensuring the recording and reporting of incidents is standardised across the system. However, Mr King warned that the procedures do not address the negative impact of the education cutbacks on the capacity of schools to address student wellbeing issues.
It must be acknowledged that these procedures are being launched in the context of severe education cutbacks which are having a devastating impact on school communities all over the country. Cuts such as the moratorium on Year Heads and the withdrawal of ex-quota guidance counselling provision impact directly on a schools ability to provide a supportive environment for young people, said Mr King.