Schools failing to confront serious problem of bullying, conference hears

TOO many schools are still not facing up to the serious problem of bullying, a conference on the issue heard yesterday.

A national survey has shown that almost half of primary school children are either bullying, or the victims of bullying, with a quarter of post-primary pupils being involved in bullying in either way.

Prof Ken Rigby said poor mental health in children was significantly associated with involvement in bullying at school. Children who were bullies, or victims, were more prone to depression and thoughts of suicide.