Bullying guidelines for schools significant step forward– Human Rights Commission

The publication of the Ministry of Education’s bullying prevention guidelines for schools is significant says the Human Rights Commission.

“Children have a right to be free from violence and abuse in school and our schools need support to ensure this becomes a reality,” said Chief Human Rights Commissioner David Rutherford.

“Now there are clear guidelines to help prevent and respond to bullying.”

Violence and abuse remains the biggest human rights issue facing New Zealanders. and the guidelines were officially launched this afternoon at Wellington High School with students, staff and families taking part. The guidelines form the first work produced by the Bullying Prevention Advisory Group, Mr Rutherford acknowledged the leadership of Peter Hughes in establishing the group and looked forward to further collaboration.

“Having teacher, principal and school board of trustees organisations working with Government agencies and monitoring agencies is the way to solve tough problems. The Commission is pleased to see the group intends to do much more to address bullying in schools” said Mr Rutherford.

“The commission first advocated for the development of bullying guidelines for schools in 2012 and it’s brilliant to see decision makers working across sectors and making this a reality for New Zealand children.”

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