Bullying (Hansard, 24 March 2003)

§ Mr. Hoyle
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures he is taking to help reduce the incidence of bullying in schools. [103796]

§ Mr. Ivan Lewis
We attach a high priority to helping schools prevent and combat bullying, and ensuring that the pupils report bullying when it happens. In 1999 we introduced a statutory requirement on schools to frame anti-bullying policies, in consultation with the school community. We supported that with a guidance pack for schools entitled 'Bullying: don't suffer in silence' with an accompanying video aimed at pupils, which was updated and relaunched in September 2002. We have developed a linked website at www.dfes.qov.uk/bullying, and funded the ChildLine programme of research into children and young people's views on bullying and how o tackle it.
I will set out our new plans for training and support for schools, and increased accountability, when the results of that research are launched on 25 March.

§ Mr. Hoyle
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to ensure that schools have at least one member of staff qualified to deal with bullying in school. [103797]
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§ Mr. Ivan Lewis
A school is required by law to have a written anti-bullying policy, which should be consistently implemented whenever bullying is reported. We have produced a guidance pack for schools to help them discharge this responsibility. Additional LEA support, guidance and training on behaviour and attendance issues, including bullying, will be available to all secondary schools from the autumn term. It is for schools to decide which individuals have the main responsibility for drawing up and managing the bullying policy, and for dealing with specific cases, and for ensuring that those concerned have the necessary knowledge and skills.

§ Mr. Hoyle
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures he is taking to help staff work with parents to tackle bullying(a) in school and (b) outside school hours. [103798]

§ Mr. Ivan Lewis
Schools should work closely with parents in tackling bullying, both when updating the school's anti-bullying policy and when investigating specific complaints. This will enable parents to play their part, with school support, in tackling bullying outside school hours and outside school premises. Our anti-bullying pack 'Bullying: don't suffer in silence' offers practical advice on how schools should communicate both with the parents of victims and with the parents of alleged bullies. Additional support, guidance and training to be made available to all secondary schools from the autumn term will reinforce these messages.