§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what plans he has to reduce the level of bullying in schools; and if he will make a statement; [11462]
(2) what plans he has to meet World Health Organisation representatives to discuss the (a) causes of, (b) effects of and (c) possible solutions to reduce the incidence of bullying in schools; and if he will make a statement. [11477]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisMy right hon. Friend has no plans to meet World Health Organisation representatives to discuss bullying in schools. We are, however, concerned that all schools treat the issue of bullying seriously and take steps to combat it promptly and firmly whenever and wherever it occurs. To that end, our White Paper, "Excellence in Schools" has reminded schools that effective strategies to deal with bullying, developed and implemented by the whole school community including pupils, should form a central part of schools' behaviour policies.
We are currently looking at what further action we might take to help schools tackle bullying and reduce its incidence. This will include taking more active steps to spread information on good practice in combating the problem.