BEAT BULLIES!
A NEW parent-led anti bullying group has been set up in Drogheda in a bid to highlight the ongoing issues about bullying, from the school yard to the workplace and online.
Claire Brannigan, Barbara Rothwell and Paul Owens officially launched PAB (Parents Against Bullying) on West Street last week.
Their ultimate aim to tackle the culture of bullying from the pre-school upwards with the campaign planning to see bullying and all its aspects added to the school curriculum.
They feel the issue has become so important in today’s world, but it’s not getting the attention it should.
Barbara Rothwell explained that each school has its own bullying policy and the approach to tackling the subject needs to be more joined up.
They have even suggested that a bullying case be tackled by the bully accepting the person they victimised and talking the issues through.
‘Cyber bullying is now a major issue and it impacts on the emotional well being of people,’ Paul stated.
‘Kids can be afraid to talk about it and that could lead to a path of alcohol and drugs.’
A much more direct counselling service is needed in every school, they feel, and parents should get much more involved.
‘We held a ‘silent’ launch but this is the last time we’ll be silent on this subject,’ Paul remarked.
They say there is frustration that people caught bullying are suspended or sent home from school, but that does not tackle or solve the problem.
‘Our first action is to get a petition together and we’ll send it on to the Minister for Education. Ideally, we’d love a meeting with him to put our points across,’ Barbara explained.
Ultimately, getting the campaign nationwide the aim, Claire admitted.
They plan to get help from schools and young people to highlight the issue and make sure something is done about the issue. They can be contacted on Parents-against-Bullying on Facebook or pabullying2017@hotmail.com.