The Junior Minister was speaking in the Assembly this afternoon, representing both Junior Ministers, in response to a Named Day Motion on the response to bullying of children and young people with disabilities.
Ian Paisley Jnr said: “Bullying, in any form and in any setting, is unacceptable. I do not single out any particular form of bullying for special mention, all are equally unacceptable and should be tackled with equal vigour by society.”
The Minister referred to the recent MENCAP research report, “Bullying wrecks lives…” which revealed that 8 out of 10 children with a learning disability said they were bullied.
“Clearly this is not acceptable. We have a sizeable amount of research now available which highlights the needs of these children and young people. What we need to do now is to focus on effective ways of enabling all children and young people to cope with the situations they find themselves in.
“We need to get the message across that there is nothing wrong with asking for help. We also need to make sure that they know where to go to get help.”
The Minister referred to the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 2003 which was introduced in April 2003, which requires all grant-aided schools to include, within their discipline policy, measures to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils.
“Huge strides are already being taken with regard to all forms of bullying, especially in our schools and colleges. Boards of Governors and Principals of every grant-aided school and further education college have a legal responsibility to encourage good behaviour and discipline,” the Minister added.
Notes to Editors:
- Junior Minister Paisley Jnr has joint responsibility for children and young people with Gerry Kelly.
- Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9052 1375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
