Almost a third of post-primary students feel unwelcome in their school according to survey findings contained in a report by Department of Education inspectors into bullying behaviour in schools.
The report, which looks at bullying at both primary and second level, is based on survey responses completed by a large number of teachers, school principals, parents, others who work in schools, and by 2,346 children and young people.
Almost one in three post-primary students and one in ten primary and special school pupils said they occasionally, rarely, or never felt either a sense of belonging in their school, or felt that it was safe to express themselves authentically there.
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The report, ‘Perspectives on Bullying Behaviour 2023’, has found a marked contrast between the attitudes of students at primary level and those attending post-primary schools.
It has also identified “a clear reticence” among some students to report bullying behaviour.
Many post-primary students surveyed expressed concerns about the effectiveness of schools in managing bullying behaviour.
“While there was a consensus that bullying behaviour was not tolerated in schools, children and young people indicated a lack of confidence in teachers’ ability to consistently identify signs of bullying behaviour,” the report said.
It found this perception was more prevalent among young people in post-primary schools.
The report also found that a significant minority of post-primary students felt that they had not been given adequate opportunities to discuss how to interact in a friendly and respectful way and the steps to take if they were being bullied.
Further exploration merited
It found that while most students found their classroom-based learning about bullying behaviour to be helpful, a considerable proportion of young people in post-primary schools did not consider this to be the case for them.
“This finding in respect of young people in post-primary schools merits further exploration at school level,” the inspectors concluded.
The report also found a contrast between the opinions of young people in post-primary schools and those in primary or special schools in relation to school rules and bullying behaviour.
In primary and special schools, children and young people agreed that school rules helped to prevent bullying and that most of their peers followed the rules in relation to bullying behaviour.
However, over a third of young people in post-primary school were “less confident” in this regard, according to the report.
At both primary and post primary level just over one third of children identified discriminatory attitudes towards their appearance as the main reason for negative commentary from other students.
Negative perceptions related to their interests, or their abilities or lifestyles were identified next as key reasons why they were singled out, according to primary school children.
Among second level students their identified background, or their lifestyle, or interests were cited as other key reasons, after appearance.
Recommendations
The report made a number of recommendations to help schools both prevent and address bullying behaviour.
Inspectors said schools should ensure that the Social, Personal and Health Education curriculum (SPHE) is implemented “in its entirety”.
They have said schools should provide “genuine opportunities” for students to exercise agency in relation to bullying behaviour.
Inspectors added that post-primary teachers need to ensure that students learn about bullying behaviour “in a way that is responsive to students’ needs”, and that students receive regular opportunities to work collaboratively with their peers.
Collaborative approaches to teaching and learning, where students feel more involved, are seen to increase a sense of connection and belonging amongst students in school and also to greater levels of empathy.
But in post-primary schools almost one in four students did not agree that their teachers gave them regular opportunities to work with other students in pairs or small groups.
“This points to a need for teachers in post-primary schools to review their current approaches to curriculum delivery”, the report said.
In terms of reporting bullying behaviour, the study found what it called a sharp contrast between the views of principals and teachers and those of students.
While principals and teachers were “almost unanimous” in their perception that children and young people could talk to an adult in the school if they were worried or upset, one in four primary school pupils and four in ten second level students “indicated some reservation in relation to confiding in their teacher about bullying behaviour”.
“While almost all children and young people indicated that they could identify “one good adult” who they could approach if they needed help, it is evident from the survey findings that there is a clear reticence on the part of children and young people around the reporting of bullying behaviour,” inspectors concluded.
Minister publishes updated procedures
Minister for Education Norma Foley today published updated procedures for schools to follow to prevent and address bullying.
They include developing a culture in schools where everyone is consulted in formulating anti-bullying policies, including students, she said.
All bullying incidents will have to be reported to school Board of Managements, and a national database will be created to identify prevalent types of bullying.
“I am committed to ensuring that every child and young person in our schools can learn in an environment free from bullying and fear” the minister said.
“The report also underscores the necessity for continued improvement. It is clear that while we have made significant strides, there is still much work to be done”, she said.
The Chief Inspector with the Department of Education said the study found that students believe they are bullied for a range of interests, including their appearance, interests and backgrounds.
Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One, Yvonne Keating said the survey also highlights the importance of the student voice and the need to involve students in policy development and decision making matters that effect them.
At a practical level, there is a need for schools to consult with children and young people in areas where bullying might occur such as the supervision roster , she added.
Ms Keating said most schools are making concerted efforts to communicate their stance against bullying effectively and the majority of pupils feel welcome in their school.
She said it is important note that the inspectorate will examine the implementation of anti-bullying policies in schools and that this report is one of five annual reports.
