Anti-Bullying Week takes place in November (12-16) and a new way of monitoring and recording bullying in Scottish schools has been introduced this autumn, making it easier for teachers to identify trends and address the problem.
Updated guidance is being issued to schools and local authorities, setting out how to consistently record information about the type and prevalence of bullying, to help them further support pupils. Early this year Deputy First Minister, John Swinney said: “It’s every child’s right not to be bullied and having a consistent way of recording and monitoring incidents will help schools identify issues and act quickly and effectively. This includes support for children involved in these incidents, but also programmes to prevent bullying and promote positive relationships and behaviour.” Schools will now be able to record and monitor incidents of bullying using SEEMiS, the existing school management system.
To support the roll out of this guidance, the Scottish Government funded anti-bullying service ‘respectme’ will continue its work with local authorities and other organisations working with children and young people to build confidence and capacity to address bullying effectively.