A lot more needs to be done to stamp out bullying, Foyle SDLP MP Mark Durkan has said.
Mr Durkan was speaking as schools here prepare to take part in this year’s Anti-Bullying Week which begins this Monday, 18 November.
Under the theme, “I See, I Hear, I Feel,” the five-day initiative aims to provide an opportunity for schools and youth groups to work with young people to explore how they communicate with each other, both online and in person, and how bullying can happen.
This could include name-calling, teasing, mocking, dirty looks, spreading gossip, nasty text messages and embarrassing posts online.
The most common forms of bullying for pupils in both Year 6 (42%) and Year 9 (36%) are name-calling, being made fun of and teased in a hurtful way, according to the last major study into bullying in Northern Ireland.
The initiative is being supported by Foyle SDLP MP Mark Durkan who said he was “deeply concerned” bullying continued to be a “major problem.”
Mr Durkan said: “I am deeply concerned that bullying continues to be a major problem for so many of our children – driving fear into young hearts and tormenting young minds.”
The Foyle MP said all children in society must be fully protected.
Congratulating schools, parents and anti-bullying organisations on their efforts to stamp out bullying in all of its forms. he said there “there is still a lot of work to be done.”
He added: “What is needed above all is an integrated, preventative and responsive strategy that brings together government, schools, communities and families to address the very serious and sadly growing problem of bullying.
“Whilst there are undoubtedly disturbing figures in relation to physical bullying, we must also recognise the worrying growth in cyber-bullying.
“It is important that we educate our children and young people in order to raise awareness of the dangers of using the Internet.
“Children may be at risk of bullying and harassment if they use social networking sites without being aware of safe practice.”
“New initiatives must be continually developed by mobile phone and Internet Service Providers to curtail this insidious form of intimidation and victimisation of children.”
Mr Durkan said he would also be urging government to do more to tackle bullying, including the implementation of legislation where appropriate.
Tags:
