§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on tacking bullying in schools. [154998]
§ Jacqui SmithWe attach a high priority to helping schools prevent and combat bullying. We want all schools to treat bullying seriously and deal with it promptly and firmly whenever and wherever it occurs. That is why since September 1999 we have required heads by law to draw up measures to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils. To help them do this, last December my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State launched our new anti-bullying strategy. This includes a revised pack for schools, an accompanying video aimed at pupils, a new anti-bullying website and a new public information film to raise awareness. The key message is that pupils should report bullying to someone they trust and not suffer in silence. The Department is also funding an expansion of the Parentline Plus free helpline for parents of victims.
We have, however, made it clear that when necessary Heads can permanently exclude pupils responsible for serious or persistent bullying.
§ Joan RuddockTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many pupils were recorded as the subjects of bullying at school(a) nationally and (b) in each of the London education authorities over the past 12 months, broken down by ethnic origin. [154999]
§ Jacqui SmithThis information is not available centrally.