Action Plan will be of great benefit in the battle to deal with the problem of bullying including cyber-bullying in our schools and among young people in general

Senator Jim D’Arcy Fine Gael Seanad Spokesperson on Education has welcomed the Action Plan on bullying launched today by Minister for Education & Skills Ruadhraí Quinn and Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald
The plan sets out 12 actions and 13 recommendations – practical measures to support schools. A short list of immediate actions schools can take is also contained in the report. The Department of Education & Skills will also be supporting a revision of the Stay Safe Programme

The 12 actions set out build on the excellent work already underway in schools to prevent and tackle bullying.

‘This is a great step forward in the battle against bullying in our first and second level schools’, stated Senator D’Arcy.’ I am also very pleased that Minister Quinn has ring fenced€500,000 from his budget to support the implementation of the Action Plan on bullying in 2013

Included in the 12 actions are:

• Support a media campaign focused on cyber bullying targeted at young people
• Establish a new anti-bullying website
• Begin immediately the development of new national anti-bullying procedures for all schools
• Devise a co-ordinated plan of training for parents and for schools Boards of Management
• Review current Teacher Education Support Service provision in relation to Anti-Bullying measures

‘These actions and others outlined in the Action Plan will be of great benefit in the battle to deal with the problem of bullying including cyber0-bullying in our schools and among young people in general ‘ stated Senator D’Arcy