Yahoo News Call for "urgent review" into bullying in Dumfries and Galloway schools
An “urgent review” must be carried out by council education chiefs to ensure that everything is being done to prevent bullying in Dumfries and Galloway schools.
That is the view of Annandale South Councillor George Jamieson, who will this week call for action to be taken so that teachers and education officials can better respond to incidents of bullying involving youngsters.
School bullying is an issue that Councillor Jamieson – the SNP group’s education spokesman – has raised at previous council committees.
However, at the full council meeting this Thursday, he will table a formal motion demanding that more preventative work is done, and to ensure that the council’s procedures around bullying meet updated guidelines from the Scottish Government.
His motion, seconded by Abbey Councillor Kim Lowe, reads: “Dumfries and Galloway Council recognises the damage unchallenged bullying behaviour may have on individuals, young people and our school communities, as well as the ramifications within our wider communities.
“It is vital that we do all we can to support those in our learning community, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
“Therefore, Dumfries and Galloway Council highlights the need to urgently review and enhance this council’s response to incidents of bullying, where and when they occur in our
schools.”
Councillor Jamieson referred to the Scottish Government’s document, Respect for All: The National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children and Young People.
This paper includes the vision that “every child and young person in Scotland will grow up free from bullying and will develop respectful, responsible and confident relationships with other children, young people and adults.”
In October 2023, the Scottish Government published updated guidelines around the monitoring and recording of bullying incidents within schools. Councillor Jamieson is now calling for council education director Gillian Brydson to carry out “an urgent review” to ensure that the council is complying with these guidelines.
He insisted that this review must include the recording and monitoring of systems within schools, a clear definition of bullying which is agreed and understood by staff, pupils and parents, and ensuring that all children and young people are more comfortable in raising concerns, as well as school staff being “adequately trained to respond appropriately.”
