Lets’ Stop Bullying, an interactive anti-bullying resource, will go live, through the schools’ computer network, to all primary and special schools this week.

Powered through the schools’ C2k computer network, it gives children the opportunity to learn about their rights and responsibilities, and what they should do if they feel worried about bullying.

Launching the resource at Holy Family Primary School, Education Minister Caitríona Ruane said “Bullying has no place in our schools. It can take many forms such as name calling, online intimidation and physical assault and its effects can be felt for years to come. We must at all times ensure we do all we can to protect those who are suffering from bullying. It is also the case that often the perpetrators are unaware of the consequences of their actions and have themselves suffered from bullying. This new resource provides a fun and interactive way to involve pupils in developing their school’s anti-bullying policy and gives us an opportunity to listen to the voices of our children in order to prevent these cycles of abuse.”

Philomena McDermott, Chair of the Inter-Board Anti-Bullying Group, added “This resource offers an imaginative and flexible way to communicate positive anti-bullying messages to the school community

By customising the material to suit the individual school, a unique feature of Let’s Stop Bullying, pupils can be assured that the information they receive forms the cornerstone of their school’s anti-bullying ethos.”

It is anticipated that schools will use this resource to help review their anti-bullying policy, a requirement of all schools.

Dinah MacManus, Principal of Holy Family PS, said “It is important that children have a say in how bullying is dealt with in their school. This resource provides a great way for us to engage children in discussion about their thoughts and feelings concerning bullying, and to promote a clear message that bullying is not acceptable in our school.”

Let’s Stop Bullying has been developed through a partnership between the Inter-Board Anti-Bullying Group, the NI Anti-Bullying Forum, Inform Educational Software and C2k. It has been funded by the Department of Education.

SELB Pupil Personal and Development Services are available to support schools in the use and development of this valuable resource.