Tackling bullying in schools is crucial

Bullying remains a very big issue for parents, children and teachers alike. Its effects can be devastating and for many continues well into adult life. So it is no surprise that a positive response is needed.

In response, the ISPCC has developed its “Shield My School” anti-bullying toolkit for schools.

This is a self-evaluative tool that allows school teachers to review their current anti-bullying policies and codes, examining strengths and weaknesses and forming positive improvements wherever they might be needed.

The ISPCC toolkit was developed using only researched information stretching back over a 30-year period and its aim is to prompt schools and teachers to reflect on how they react to bullying behaviours and what the best positive options might be.

Earlier this year the Department of Education issued guidelines on what they would like to see in a school’s anti-bullying code and will be following up on this later in the year.

The ISPCC is delighted to see this response from the department and feels that our toolkit is a very complementary piece of work that will assist schools in tackling the problems of bullying behaviours.

The “Shield My School” anti-bullying toolkit is downloadable free of charge, from our website.

Andrew Jackson

National Anti-Bullying Coordinator

ISPCC

Lower Baggot Street

Dublin 2