O’Dowd welcomes updated research on bullying in schools

Education Minister, John O’Dowd, today spoke of how schools and communities must work together to tackle bullying.
~ Wednesday, 26 October 2011

The Minister commented: “Bullying is unacceptable in our schools, in any form and for any reason. Bullying can have serious consequences for our pupils, thwarting their experience of education. The physical and emotional distress caused by bullying can lead to underachievement, poor attendance and mental health problems with terrible consequences such as eating disorders, self-harm and at worst, suicide.

“This research provides us with further insight into the nature and extent of bullying in our schools and my Department will study the evidence and give careful consideration to the recommendations within the report. I am committed to tackling this issue and to working with schools to find measures to prevent, and deal with, bullying so that our children can feel safe and secure in their school environment.”

The Minister commented: “My Department recognises that we cannot deal with this issue alone – it is necessary to work in close partnership with statutory and voluntary organisations to address bullying in all its forms. It is for this reason that my Department plays an active role in and funds the local Anti-Bullying Forum. In light of emerging issues such as cyber bullying, I would remind schools of the importance of continuously updating their policies, ensuring that pupils and their parents are actively involved.”

Notes to editors:

1. The research report was commissioned by the Department of Education and undertaken by a team of researchers from RSM McClure Watters (formerly FGS McClure Watters), led by Jenny Irwin and Rosalind Henry. The research provides an update on the findings of two previous reports published in 2007 and 2002.
2. The research surveyed 904 pupils in Year 6 in 60 primary schools and 1,297 pupils in Year 9 in 60 post-primary schools. The results were compared to two previous research studies published by the Department in 2002 “Bullying in Schools: A Northern Ireland Study” and 2007 “The Nature and Extent of Bullying in Schools in the North of Ireland”, in order to identify changes or trends.
3. The research briefing providing a summary of the findings of the report produced by the Department’s Statistics & Research Branch is available on the Department of Education website.
4. For more information visit the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum website.
5. Watch video from the Department of Education on our YouTube channel.
6. Media queries, contact the Department of Education’s Communications Team on Tel No: 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440.