Teachers will be obliged to report cases of bullying according to a new policy on addressing bullying behaviour in schools.

The policy, launched this morning by Education Minister Evarist Bartolo, seeks to adopt a zero tolerance attitude towards bullying by strengthening the value of respect.

Sandra Cortis, service manager of the Education and Psychosocial Services that includes the Anti Bullying Services, said that as the number of social problems increased, so did the cases of reported bullying in schools.

Last year 83 cases were reported to the Anti Bullying Services by State primary schools, 74 from State boys’ secondary schools and 36 from State girls’ secondary schools.

The policy will apply in all State schools. Meetings are being held with Church and independent schools that are interested in adopting it.

The policy provides a clear definition as to what constitutes bullying as opposed to bad behaviour. Bullying can include direct or verbal bullying, cyber bullying, racial and religious and sexual bullying. For the first time gender identity is mentioned in the policy that follows on from a 1999 policy.

Each school will be able to adapt the policy to the specific needs of its students. Schools will appoint designated people to deal with bullying reports – either made by students, teachers or parents.

If the designated person concludes that it was a case of bullying, as opposed to bad behaviour, school guidance teachers or counsellors would brought on to deal with the bully and victim. Parents will be informed. If the case is more serious, it will be referred to the Anti Bullying Services.

Apart from this, schools will take precautionary measures through educational campaigns aimed at teaching respect.

www.education.gov.mt