In response to the Education and Skills Select Committee report on bullying released today, Teacher Support Networkwelcomes the committee’s recommendation that school leaders must ensure that anti-bullying policies do not overlook the bullying of teachers.
Patrick Nash, Chief Executive of Teacher Support Network said:
“Bullying and harassment are two of the main issues that teachers call or email Teacher Support Network about each year. We know from these cases of the significant long-term impact on a teachers’ wellbeing, their confidence and enthusiasm for their job and, therefore, the knock-on effect on the educational experience of young people.
“National guidance on developing anti-bullying policies must include recommendations for protecting staff as much as pupils.
“We also welcome the recommendation that anti-bullying policies and the recording of incidents refer to specific types of prejudice-driven bullying. We know from our work that cyber-bullying, racially motivated bullying and homophobic bullying are causing a great deal of stress and anxiety to many teachers.
“Wherever appropriate, Teacher Support Network refers incidents of bullying to the unions but also helps teachers to develop strategies to cope with this stressful situation via our information, support and counselling/coaching services, Teacher Support Line and Teacher Support Online.”
