Carlow TD welcomes new procedures that will help address bullying in schools

Local Carlow Fianna Fáil TD Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has welcomed the announcement from her party colleague and Minister for Education Norma Foley, on procedures to prevent and address bullying behaviour for primary and post-primary schools.

The ‘Bí Cineálta’ procedures are centred on a child rights-based approach and support a partnership approach where all members of the school community work together to prevent and address bullying behaviour. The procedures have been updated to take account of gender identity bullying, cyberbullying, racist bullying, sexist bullying, and sexual harassment.

The new procedures result from a review of the 2013 ‘Anti Bullying procedures for primary and post-primary schools’.

Commenting on the announcement, Deputy Murnane O'Connor said: "I welcome this announcement by my party colleague today. These procedures will allow children to feel as safe as possible at school.”

“We all know bullying can ruin a child’s happiness, and these procedures today will further protect children in schools around the country who experience it."

“These procedures will also help schools deal with bullying in a variety of different ways, and we must support our school communities across the country when it comes to bullying.”

“Fianna Fáil in government remains committed to keeping children safe in a school environment, while also assisting our schools with these procedures by providing them with new ways of tackling bullying.”