Northern Ireland schools to implement Bullying Act on 1 September 2021 | Newry Times
Education Minister, Peter Weir, has welcomed the signing of the Commencement Order in relation to the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act.
The Act will start on 1 September 2021 to allow schools some time to update their policies to align with necessary requirements.
It will also enable schools to consult with parents/carers, pupils and staff if they have not already done so, as required by law.
Welcoming the commencement of the Act, the Minister said, “The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act will bring renewed focus for schools to this very important issue and deliver greater consistency in the treatment of all forms of bullying.
“Bullying is a complex issue with no single, easy solution.
“However, we all have a part to play in creating a society and an education system in which bullying behaviour is always challenged and dealt with effectively, as soon as it rears its head.”
The Act provides a common definition of bullying; establishes a new duty for schools to record all incidents of bullying, their motivation and their outcome.
The Act requires the school Boards of Governors (BoG) collectively to take responsibility for the development, implementation, monitoring and periodic review of the school’s anti-bullying policies and procedures.
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