Department of Education Inspectorate publishes first of five annual reports highlighting experiences of bullying in schools

The Inspectorate of the Department of Education today published ‘Perspectives on Bullying Behaviour (2023): The first in a series of five annual reports, 2023-2027’.

The report is based upon survey responses completed by a significant number of contributors from 106 primary, post-primary and special schools, including 2,346 children and young people, 3,378 parents, 812 teachers and 64 principals.

Findings highlight that schools are seen as mostly positive environments by parents, teachers, and students, though challenges remain - especially in post-primary education, where a significant number of students (almost one-third) feel unwelcome. Many post-primary students surveyed expressed concerns about the effectiveness of schools in managing bullying behaviour.

The report identifies a notable gap in relation to the collaborative learning opportunities provided for children and young people and their involvement in policy across different school sectors, with post-primary students feeling less involved.

A number of strategies are identified as impactful by school leaders in preventing and addressing bullying behaviour, including annual policy reviews with broad involvement, enhancements to physical school environments and focused teaching about social skills and respectful online behaviour. Consistent monitoring and supervision during school hours are also highlighted as crucial for minimising bullying behaviour.

The report identifies the need for more targeted support for at-risk students and enhanced involvement of students in bullying prevention strategies. It calls for comprehensive audits of school environments and full implementation of curricula that support Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE), especially at post-primary level.

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD said:

“I am committed to ensuring that every child and young person in our schools can learn in an environment free from bullying and fear. This report provides us with valuable insights and highlights the commendable efforts of our schools in fostering environments of respect and safety. I am particularly encouraged by the proactive steps taken by schools to incorporate comprehensive anti-bullying policies and to engage students in learning respectful online behaviour.

“The report also underscores the necessity for continued improvement. It is clear that while we have made significant strides, there is still much work to be done. Let us take this report as both a reminder of our responsibilities and as a guide to our continued efforts to ensure that our schools are safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments for all children and young people.

“I am confident that the ongoing implementation of the actions in Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying, through its whole education approach, will continue to enhance the wellbeing of all of our children and young people.”

Chief Inspector Yvonne Keating said:

“This report shines a crucial light on both the progress and challenges in our schools' efforts to prevent and address bullying behaviour. It is heartening to see the positive strides made in creating respectful learning environments. However, the feedback, particularly from the post-primary students who responded to the survey, indicates a need for more concerted action. We are committed to using the insights from this report to guide our inspection and advisory role to ensure that all students feel safe and respected. ”

The report makes a number of recommendations for schools to further prevent and address bullying behaviour. These include:

School leaders and teachers should actively identify individual children and young people who may be in need of targeted support.
Schools should continue efforts to provide a variety of relevant activities during recreational periods.
Schools should provide genuine opportunities for children and young people to exercise their agency in relation to bullying behaviour.
School leaders should, following consultation with children and young people, organise an audit of the physical environment of their school.
School leaders and teachers should ensure that the Social, Personal and Health Education Curriculum (SPHE) is implemented in its entirety.
Post-primary teachers should ensure that students learn about bullying behaviour in a way that is responsive to students’ needs.
Post-primary teachers should ensure that students receive regular opportunities to work collaboratively with their peers.
School leaders and teachers should ensure that children and young people are empowered to recognise bullying behaviour and to be confident in knowing how to report and seek support when they need it.
Schools should work to enhance their procedures for reporting concerns about bullying behaviour to ensure that children and young people feel able to report, and that schools respond effectively to these reports.

The full report is available here

For further information please email inspectorate@education.gov.ie.

Perspectives on Bullying Behaviour (2023)

The Cineáltas Action Plan commits the Department’s Inspectorate to publishing an annual report gathering feedback from various stakeholders. The 2023 report summarises insights from students, parents, teachers, and principals on the effectiveness of anti-bullying strategies in Irish schools.

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