Bullying in schools in Ireland

Introduction

There are rules in Ireland regarding bullying between students at primary and post-primary schools in Ireland. These are set down in guidelines (but not law) issued by the Department of Education and Skills. The following sets out the rules about bullying in schools in Ireland and the rights of pupils and parents where bullying occurs.

The Department of Education and Skills (DES) has drawn up Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour in Primary and Post Primary Schools - see below. The guidelines recommend that the prevention of bullying should be a fundamental part of a written code of behaviour and discipline in all schools.

According to Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children (pdf) issued by the Department of Health and Children in 1999, teachers may have a general duty to ensure that students are not bullied by other students.

What is bullying?

Bullying is defined by the Department of Education and Skills guidelines as repeated physical, verbal or psychological aggression directed by an individual or group against others. Bullying can occur at any age, in any environment, and can be long or short-term.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is bullying through the internet or mobile phone, often through social networking sites used by young people. A booklet GET WITH IT! A guide to cyberbullying (pdf) has been produced as a joint initiative between the Office for Internet Safety, the National Centre for Technology in Education and Barnardos. The booklet is intended to increase awareness of all aspects of cyberbullying including how to identify it and how to prevent it.

Effects of bullying

Many children who are being bullied are afraid to speak out. They are scared of reprisals if they tell someone. Reports have shown that as young people grow older, they are less likely to tell someone. They become more and more isolated, experience depression and, in extreme cases, can harm themselves or attempt suicide.

Signs of bullying

• Fear of going to school
• Poor or deteriorating schoolwork, inability to concentrate
• Withdrawn behaviour
• Depression
• Loss of confidence
• Reluctance to go out
• Shortage of money
• Torn clothes, broken glasses, missing schoolbooks
• Repeated signs of bruising and injuries

Why do people bully?

Very often, bullies are themselves suffering from low self-esteem and lack of confidence. They may suffer violence at home. In other cases, they may be reacting to painful changes in their lives, for example, bereavement or divorce. They may want to seek attention or to appear in control. If you think your child might be a bully it is important to recognise this and help him or her to deal with it. You should talk to the class teacher about this bullying behaviour and how it could be changed.

Guidelines on countering bullying behaviour

The Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour in Primary and Post Primary Schools published by the Department of Education and Skills recommend that the prevention of bullying should be a fundamental part of a written code of behaviour and discipline in all schools. There should be a school policy on dealing with bullying, within the framework of a code of discipline. This policy should include:

• The creation of a school ethos that encourages students to tell about bullying.
• Raising of awareness of bullying as unacceptable behaviour with management, students, teachers and parents
• Monitoring and supervision of school activities
• Developing procedures for reporting, investigating and dealing with bullying
• Developing a programme of support for those affected by bullying and those involved in bullying
• Working with local agencies to combat all forms of bullying in school and the local community.

The Department of Education and Skills has also published guidelines on child abuse and bullying for teachers. These guidelines reflect the particular circumstances of primary and post-primary schools and are based on the recommendations of the 'Children First' report. They are:

• Child Protection Guidelines and Procedures (pdf) for the primary sector
• Child Protection Guidelines for Post-Primary Schools (pdf).

How is bullying stopped?

Intervention from adults is usually necessary. Bullying behaviour must be challenged or it will become regular and get worse. If you think someone is being bullied, you should provide opportunities for them to talk to you. It will take time, but if you send a clear message that bullying is unacceptable and does not have to continue, in time, the young person may trust you enough to tell. If you think your child is being bullied you should talk to the class teacher or the principal. If the matter can not be resolved at school you may contact the Department of Education and Skills as follows:  

• You can read about procedures for lodging complaints on bullying in primary schools here.
• For issues regarding bullying in post-primary schools you can contact the Department of Education and Skills - see 'Where to apply' below.
  

Where to apply

Post-primary bullying issues    (057) 9325411
Primary bullying issues        (090) 6483722
Skills