Birnie welcomes NICCY research encouraging more pupil involvement in School Bullying policies
South Belfast MLA and UUP spokesperson for Families and Children Esmond Birnie has welcomed a report by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People which recommends that pupils should be involved in school policies to tackle bullying.
Mr Birnie said:
“By allowing children to become involved in the policy making process, schools not only empower these children, but encourage them to become more confident and make them feel that their views are important. After all, it makes sense that a policy for children and young people should consult children young people.
“Ulster Unionists abhor bullying of any kind and any initiative which sets out to tackle this problematic area should be applauded. Bullying remains a particularly sensitive subject and many children are still choosing to suffer in silence. By allowing them to take part in the decision making process it will help make them aware of the safeguards in their schools which are there to protect them.”