PUPILS and parents have been assured that a new approach is being developed for tackling bullying in schools across Dumfries and Galloway.
Education chiefs at Dumfries and Galloway Council are currently reviewing bullying guidance, and have vowed to make adjustments in their handling of difficult bullying situations.
This includes the support available for the victim, but also the bully themselves due to complex issues which are likely leading to aggressive and disruptive behaviour.
An education report tabled at last week’s full council meeting confirmed that work is currently underway, with inputs from Police Scotland, young people, and teaching and school staff.
The report states: “From this, a new approach to bullying will be developed looking both at the bullying ‘victim’ and the support available to them, as well as the bully themselves.
“The new approach aims to be restorative and reformative, addressing issues directly through group work programmes, one-to-one support and education in schools as opposed to expulsion or exclusion.”
This news will be welcomed by parents, pupils, staff, and also the region’s councillors who have been receiving complaints about the current system for handling bullying.
Annandale South Councillor George Jamieson had called for an “urgent review” in the education department to ensure everything is being done to prevent bullying in Dumfries and Galloway schools.
He described the bullying situation as “complex, emotive, and really difficult.”
Councillor Jamieson continued: “The incentive to bring this motion forward really came from parents, and children, and staff who believe there are real issues of bullying.
“It’s getting worse because of social media etc, and children are more challenged now than they used to be.”
Abbey Councillor Kim Lowe added: “Current anti-bullying policy has limits which I think could be strengthened.
“The whole area of inclusion with pupils on either side of a bullying incident needs to be explicit.
“Both the pupils who has bullied, and those who have experienced the bullying, need to receive appropriate support.
“The 10,000 Voices survey results show 40-50 percent of children aged 5-18 were happy at school most of the time. So, by default, 50 to 60 percent were not.”
Jim Brown, the council’s chief education officer, said he appreciated the comments about the “seriousness of this issue”, but stressed that detailed work is already underway in the council’s action plan for 2024/25 to improve anti-bullying policy.
An update on progress will be presented in September.
