ABSTRACT
Attendance in full-time education is compulsory for all pupils between 6 and 15 years of age. The state provides for free education up to the age of 18 years in most second level schools. In September 1993, the Department of Education published guidelines for countering bullying behaviour in primary and post-primary schools. These were distributed to all schools in the state. In those guidelines bullying is defined as 'repeated aggression, verbal, psychological or physical, conducted by an individual or group against others'. Since 1993 there has been intense media interest in bullying. Two major conferences on bullying have been held in Ireland, one national and one international. Very few court cases in relation to bullying have taken place in Ireland. The teachers' unions have also taken a keen interest in the subject. Initiatives to deal with and prevent bullying behaviour have been very varied. Schools have drawn up policies on bullying. The Garda (police) have a schools programme for primary schools, part of which deals with the issue. Theatre groups have also raised awareness. There is a recognition that bullying is not exclusive to schools and various youth organisations have drawn up measures to counter bullying.
