ISPCC toolkit to help tackle bullying

I AM a strong believer that every child should not be the subject of bullying, be it at home, in the school and the wider environment.

Yet bullying concerns continue to surface again and again. Its level of impact, both in the short term and long term, remain an issue that needs a concerted response from the whole community.

One way to help combat bullying in schools is the implementation of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) Anti-Bullying

‘Shield My School Programme’, a self-evaluation toolkit to assist teachers to consider a set of evidence informed statements and questions in relation to their own Anti-Bullying policy.

Recently I was delighted to be part of the ISPCC team that assisted the teachers of a school to review their Anti-Bullying policy.

In a relaxed atmosphere the teachers openly chatted and discussed the series of questions raised by the ISPCC Anti-Bullying toolkit.

The method used was to include as many teachers as possible, deemed important to gain buy in for the new Anti-Bullying policy.

Some questions highlighted the need to involve parents, pupils and the wider community.

At the completion of each heading, a note was taken of points agreed and points where further action was required.

The session gave an open space for which the teachers and principal could voice any concerns or questions, both amongst themselves and tap into the useful resource of the ISPCC staff member.

April is the ISPCC Anti-Bullying awareness month and the well-known charity will be holding a number of initiatives to help combat bullying.

The campaign is known as the

‘Shield Campaign’ and is symbolised by a distinctive blue shield pin that can be worn by all its supporters.

The thinking behind this is that every day ISPCC volunteers and staff work as shields – protecting, supporting and listening to children.

The benefit of this toolkit will not only support the children, but also the school, family and wider community.

I believe the ISPCC toolkit is a welcome addition to help the teachers implement a best Anti-Bullying practice policy.

This toolkit is a highly effective means to help combat bullying and it will make for a safer school and ultimately a better society.

For more information on the toolkit you can log on to www.ispcc.ie or www.ispcc/ie/toolkit or call 01- 2342000.

Judy Sweeney is an Advocacy Volunteer at the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.