Education Ministry working on stopping bullying in schools following recent concerns

The Education Ministry is looking at alternative evidence based interventions to help the victims of bullying as well as clearer discipline procedures for those that are bullies.

This comes as serious concerns have been raised by parents whose children in primary school have been bullied by older students.

A parent says her children who are in year 2 and 3 have been shuffled around, pushed, sworn at and punched by year 6 to 8 students.

She says her children often complain of verbal, physical and emotional abuse from their peers, leading to distress and anxiety.

Permanent Secretary for Education, Selina Kuruleca says we need stronger collaboration between teachers and parents, focusing on positive parenting, values, virtues and compassion.

Kuruleca says it is unfortunate that this continues to be an ongoing issue and with the Substance Abuse Adviory Council Unit under the leadership of Josua Naisele, they hope to have more firm interventions in the next few weeks.