§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the incidence of bullying at primary and secondary schools in Scotland.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 3 May 1994]: Because bullying can take many different forms, it would be impossible to estimate meaningfully the incidence over the country. All instances of bullying are, however, serious matters and, in the interests of all children, schools should address the issue, whether or not they perceive bullying as a problem in their own circumstances.
That is why the Government commissioned and issued copies of a pack entitled "Action Against Bullying" to all Scottish schools in 1992. The pack, which was drawn up by the Scottish Council for Research in Education, stresses that the simple most important thing a school can do to prevent bullying is to have a clear policy to which teachers, pupils and parents are committed.
The Government also funded the distribution to all Scottish schools in September 1993 of a follow-up pack, also produced by SCRE. This pack contains a school booklet aimed at non-teaching staff and a family booklet. Its focus is how to ensure that the whole school community works together.
The Scottish Office Education Department is also funding the appointment by SCRE of an anti-bullying development officer.