Jeremy Prince calls for anti-bullying campaign

THE father of teenager Phoebe Prince who died by suicide in January 2010 has urged Education Minister Ruairi Quinn to back plans for an anti-bullying programme in all schools from next year.

Jeremy Prince made the call during a specially organised Oireachtas meeting with TDs and senators on what would have been his daughter’s 17th birthday. He was speaking on behalf of the National Anti-Bullying Coalition (NABC), which is attempting to gain support across the political spectrum for a new “safe-school,” anti-bullying programme to be introduced in all schools.

Under the plan, teachers, pupils, school management, gardaí and members of the local community would be given advice on how to address bullying without making the problem more difficult for the victim.

The NABC’s president, Monica Monahan, said the group wants a meeting with Mr Quinn in January to discuss how the policy could be rolled out.

Labour TD Gerald Nash, who invited Mr Prince and the anti-bullying campaigners to meet with Oireachtas members, described the plan as inspirational.

“To see anyone who has suffered such pain as Jeremy respond in such a positive manner is quite remarkable. I’ve been involved with the NABC campaign for some months now and I wanted my colleagues from across all parties to get the opportunity to hear the message.”

* [e-mail]

Picture: Phoebe Prince, Bullying victim.