Creating a rights-respecting culture the key to tackling bullying (May 2009)

Creating a rights-respecting culture the key to tackling bullying (May 2009)

Bullying has been consistently cited as one of the key human rights issues in New Zealand schools.

Two key reports were produced for the Behaviour Summit convened by the Ministry of Education in March:

The OCC report cites research indicating high levels of physical and emotional bullying compared to other countries - with one study rating New Zealand schools among the worst category in the world for bullying, with rates more than 50 percent above the international average. (p.viii)

Bullying violates young people's human rights to personal security, health and education, and requires effective school action. According to the OCC report, only programmes that alter the whole school environment, culture and ethos are effective in addressing bullying.

Building a consistent culture of rights, respect and responsibility in the school - as envisaged in the Human Rights in Education initiative - can make a major contribution.