The recent OECD findings on bullying amongst second level students may or may not be overstating the problem because pupils were not asked if they were bullied but rather were asked a series of questions.

However, the results demonstrate clearly the need for support for second level schools in their work to create safe and orderly learning environments for students.

"The relationship between students' experiences of bullying in school and their achievement levels is of special concern to the ASTI," said Mr. White. "Teachers, parents and the vast majority of students are supportive of safe and orderly schools where learning can take place in the absence of continual disruption and threatening or bullying behaviour. Schools must be supported in achieving this goal. However, schools are constantly given advice which asserts the rights of disruptive students rather than being informed that they will be supported in ensuring that schools are orderly, harmonious places.

"The ASTI recognises that bullying in schools is a very serious issue and that the vast majority of schools and teachers work tirelessly to provide a safe and orderly environment for students. However, it is also important to recognise that the work of schools is frustrated by the under-funding of second level education, the lack of resources and supports available to schools, and by the increasing administrative burden on teachers and schools," said ASTI General Secretary John White.

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