Part of 1. 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Education – in the Senedd at 1:59 pm on 4 October 2017.
Thank you very much, Oscar, for that question. I want to make it absolutely clear: I do not accept—and I take a zero-tolerance approach to—any bullying within our education system. We cannot expect our children to make the most of their opportunities and to fulfil their potential if they do not feel safe and supported in our schools. You will be aware that the Welsh Government is currently refreshing its policies with regard to tackling bullying in our schools, as well as looking at how we can support teachers to implement that policy within their individual schools. One of the other things we also need to do is ensure that our children have access to top-quality sex and relationship education, because educating children is the best way to try and prevent bullying, and that’s how we can make a real impact. You’ll be aware that Professor Emma Renold from Cardiff University is currently chairing a specialist group looking at this issue, and her report is due to be delivered to me this month, I believe.