13 November 2023 Dear Principal, Re: Addressing Bullying in Schools: Parent, Carer and Pupil Information Resources
Following collaboration with over 100 schools throughout the region, the EA Addressing Bullying in Schools Implementation Team (ABSIT) has developed resources for use with children and young people, and to share with parents/carers. Display on digital screens, as posters etc. and share widely. These are being launched to coincide with Anti-Bullying Week and provide information on: • The legal definition of bullying type behaviour and the difference between this and other socially unacceptable behaviour. • School support for children, young people, and their families in line with the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (NI) 2016. • Advice for parent, carers and pupils regarding how bullying type behaviour is identified and supported in schools. • Signs that a pupil could be experiencing bullying type behaviour and signposting to further support. Please use the following link to access these resources: https://www.eani.org.uk/schoolmanagement/policies-and-guidance/addressing-bullying-in-schoolsact- 2016/bullying
Last year ABSIT conducted a stakeholder survey which identified the need for clear information for children and their parents/carers on the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (NI) 2016.
I hope the resources attached help your staff establish with pupils and parents/carers, a shared understanding of bullying type behaviour and approaches to address this. We are happy to receive feedback from schools regarding this material alongside requests for further resource requirements. Yours sincerely, Martina Coogan Regional Advisor
