Every child deserves to feel safe, respected and supported at school.

Northern Ireland has legislation and guidance in place to address bullying in schools, including the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (Northern Ireland) 2016. This legislation represented an important step forward, and many schools work tirelessly every day to support children and young people.

However, despite these important foundations, parents, pupils and education professionals continue to report significantly different experiences depending on which school a child attends. While some schools respond promptly, compassionately and effectively, others leave families feeling unheard, unsupported and uncertain about what happens next.

Every child deserves the same standard of protection, support and accountability, regardless of which school they attend.

This petition is not intended to criticise schools or teachers. It recognises the dedication of education professionals across Northern Ireland and the positive work taking place in many schools every day. Instead, it calls for greater consistency in how existing legislation and guidance are implemented, ensuring that every child receives the support they deserve.

Bullying can have profound and lasting effects on a child's mental health, education, confidence and future wellbeing. In the most tragic cases, children and young people have died by suicide after experiencing bullying. While no single factor can explain every tragedy, these heartbreaking cases remind us why early intervention, effective support and consistent responses are so important.

We therefore call upon the Minister for Education, the Department of Education, the Education Authority and all school managing authorities to strengthen the implementation of existing legislation by introducing a consistent, trauma-informed framework that supports every school in preventing, identifying and responding effectively to bullying and harmful peer behaviour.

We are calling for:

1. Consistent Minimum Standards

Every school should follow clear minimum standards for reporting, investigating, recording and responding to bullying concerns, ensuring greater consistency across Northern Ireland while allowing schools flexibility in how they meet those standards.

2. Trauma-Informed Practice

Regular trauma-informed training for all school staff to help recognise the impact bullying can have on children and to respond with understanding, consistency and compassion.

3. Better Support for Children and Families

Children affected by bullying should receive timely emotional support, appropriate pastoral care and access to specialist services where needed.

Parents and carers should be treated as partners throughout the process, kept informed and involved in decisions affecting their child.

4. Clear Accountability

Schools should have transparent procedures that ensure bullying concerns are taken seriously, investigated fairly and reviewed appropriately.

Parents should understand how concerns are investigated, what actions are being taken and what support will be provided.

5. Recognition of Harm Beyond the School Gates

Where bullying occurring online or outside school has a significant impact on a child's wellbeing, safety or education, schools should work collaboratively with parents and relevant agencies to provide appropriate support.

6. Better Data and Shared Learning

Anonymous regional reporting should be used to identify patterns, highlight areas requiring additional support and share examples of good practice between schools.

7. Stronger Partnership with Families

Parents should feel listened to, respected and supported throughout the process. Open communication, early intervention and collaborative working help build trust and improve outcomes for children.

Why This Matters

Bullying is not simply part of growing up.

It can affect attendance, learning, confidence, mental health and relationships long after childhood.

Every child deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, valued and able to achieve their full potential.

Northern Ireland already has important legislation in place. This petition seeks to strengthen the consistent implementation of those protections so that every child receives the same high standard of care, support and opportunity, regardless of where they attend school.

No child's experience of support should depend on the school they attend.

Together, we can help create safer schools, stronger communities and better outcomes for every child.