SCHOOLS across the region are reviewing their approach to tackling bullying after young people demanded improvements, writes Marc Mclean.
This was a major issue raised by the region’s youth council members, and it features prominently in their joint action plan with Dumfries and Galloway Council.
An update on the progress of actions being implemented will be presented to elected members and youth councillors at a joint meeting of the youth council and full council next Wednesday.
It was previously agreed that the education department should lead a review of bullying guidance, with inputs from Police Scotland, young people, teaching and school staff.
From this, a new approach to bullying is being developed looking both at the bullying ‘victim’ and the support available to them, as well as the bully themselves.
Council papers state: “The new approach aims to be restorative and reformative, addressing issues directly through group work programmes, 1-2-1 support and education in schools as opposed to expulsion or exclusion.”
A report prepared for next week’s joint meeting confirmed that the council’s education department has now redeveloped anti-bullying guidance and shared this with all schools.
It was confirmed that schools are now redeveloping their own bespoke guidance involving their learners and stakeholders. This has already resulted in 16 schools updating their guidance, which will be quality assured.
Education chiefs insist that schools currently developing their anti-bullying guidance, or who have yet to start work, will be given support to complete this work.
The report adds: “Almost all schools will be involving children, young people and parents in the development of their new guidance.”
Meanwhile, more anti-bullying educational resources have been made available for pupils and school staff, with a focus on online learning modules such as RespectMe to assist adults and young people.
It has also been confirmed that a group of young people have signed up to become ‘anti-vaping champions’ at schools. They have become advocates to reduce harms associated with vaping.
The teenage pupils that are piloting this programme have undergone training with the national organisation Landed to increase their knowledge on all aspects of vaping, including law and legislation, risks, and the impacts on people and the environment.
