P-05-862 Tackling school bullying, Correspondence – Petitioner to Committee, 30.15.19

Dear Sir/Madam,

I feel the minister has given a very guarded and non committal response.

Bullying is a massive social problem. It begins in schools and often follows both victim and perpetrator into adult life. The effects of bullying often lead to mental health issues including self harm and suicide.

Education will not doubt help steer perpetrators onto a different course and this is welcomed. The consultation however pays little regard to the fact that in far too many cases schools and their staff do not deal with bullying nor address bullying in anyway.

Punishment of VICTIMS happens far too often and many people feel that there is far more support for the perpetrators.

We insist that the entire system needs to change with a standard legal framework in place to tackle bullying in schools. We want a legal obligation upon schools and staff to correctly record and deal with bullying. If this can be addressed at grassroots level (schools) a huge improvement in social behaviour, self esteem, discipline and mental health will follow.

When dealing with bullying a balance must be weighed between educating the perpetrator and the effects upon victims. Too much focus on 'supporting' perpetrators is often leading to the basic needs and rights of the victim. Schools are too often happier to record 'behavioural incidents' and punish both victim and perpetrator equally, lowering the self esteem of the victim further.

The current system is failing too many children and is not being implemented by too many school staff.

Kindest regards

Byron John

BlowForBradley Campaign