§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Education what action his Department is taking on bullying in primary schools; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthMy right hon. Friend is concerned to ensure that all schools treat the issue of bullying seriously and take steps to combat it promptly and firmly wherever and whenever it occurs. We have taken a number of measures to help schools to tackle bullying.
In 1992, the Department issued the "Action Against Bullying" pack to all schools in England. We have stressed the importance of effective action on bullying in the guidance on pupil behaviour and discipline, published on 27 May as part of the "Pupils With Problems" series of 744W circulars. We have recently published leaflets of guidance for pupils and parents on the theme of "Don't Suffer in Silence", and will be making available soon to all television channels a public information film on the same theme. In addition, we intend to publish in the autumn further practical guidance for schools in England based on DFE-funded research at Sheffield university into strategies against bullying.