Anti-Bullying Bill gets green light as Anti-Bullying Week ends

Education Minister John O’Dowd has confirmed legislation to address bullying in schools will be progressed soon.

Speaking as Anti-Bullying week comes to a close, Minister O’Dowd said:

“I am delighted that Executive agreement has been obtained, allowing this important piece of legislation to proceed.  My officials have written to the Speaker’s office and I hope that the Bill can be introduced to the Assembly on 30 November, so that the legislation can be enacted within this Assembly mandate.

Bullying is a complex issue with no single, easy solution however, we all have a part to play in creating a society, and an education system, in which bullying behaviour is always challenged, and dealt with effectively, as soon as it rears its head.” 

The Department of Education undertook a public consultation on the new legislative proposals for addressing bullying in schools earlier this year, receiving 4860 responses.  Over 4,000 of these came directly from pupils and young people themselves, reflecting the importance of this issue for our education system.

The legislation has three main objectives:  to provide a legal definition of bullying; to introduce a requirement for schools to record all incidents of bullying; and to require Boards of Governors to have specific responsibility for Anti-Bullying policy and practice within schools.

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect - Education Works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.

2. See photos from the Department of Education in our collection on flickr.

3. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.

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