An inquiry into the management and minimisation of bullying and violence in ACT schools has found that while incidents are “not frequent” every one was of concern to the Government and should be treated seriously.
Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, Yvette Berry said the Standing Committee on Education, Employment and Youth Affairs’ report from its inquiry confirmed that schools experienced the same challenges as other parts of society in relation to bullying and violence.
“Every student and school worker is entitled to be safe and the Government’s commitment to safe and supportive schools is clear,” Ms Berry said.
“There is no place for bullying or violence in ACT schools and I am reassured to have the Committee’s confirmation that this is not a systemic problem in our schools.”
She said the report, alongside a report from a school education advisory committee established to consider related issues, provided useful guidance on opportunities to strengthen the Government’s response.
Chair of the Standing Committee, Michael Pettersson MLA said the report made 23 recommendations and nine findings.
“We have heard very clearly in the course of our Inquiry that teachers are working hard to reduce bullying and violence in our schools,” Mr Pettersson said.
“More support is needed at the system level in relation to reporting, data collection and complaint handling. This will assist students, parents and school administrators.”
He said the Standing Committee also agreed there needed to be ongoing consideration of how social and emotional learning programs were operated in ACT schools.
The Standing Committee’s 76-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
