Context

Harassment of pupils/students by teaching staff is an intolerable infringement of rights and betrayal of trust.

Bullying and harassment of teaching staff by pupils and students is equally unacceptable. Very often teachers are reluctant to admit to bullying or harassment by pupils either within or outwith the school environment for fear of being considered incompetent by colleagues or fear of reprisal.

New technology can be used. There have been numerous reports on the use of text messaging, e-mail or websites to bully and harass.

All forms of bullying and harassment which apply to teaching staff and learners also apply to others who use or work in schools, colleges and universities.