A new policy document launched today to tackle bullying in schools aims to bring about new changes, including instilling a sense of respect between teachers, educators and parents and obliging educators to report any form of bullying to the Anti Bullying Services unit.

This was announced by Sandra Cortis, who heads the Education Psycho Social Service, during a brief concerning the new policy document held at the education ministry. She was accompanied by a number of professionals, members of the Malta Union of Teachers, the head of the Police Cybercrime Unit Inspector Timothy Zammit, Malta Gay Rights Movement spokesperson Gaby Calleja, among others.

Prior to her explanation, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said that respect is the most important factor for the policy document to be effective. He said students have rights as much as they have obligations.

"It is important for students to have rights but it is also vital that one exercises his or her rights by showing respect towards others, in this case other pupils," he said.

Mr Bartolo also took the opportunity to urge educators to exercise caution when posting certain messages or images on social networks. He also pointed out that teachers have to earn their respect as well.

Ms Cortis said that one particular issue one has to work on to eradicate bullying is doing away with labelling others. "It is a culture and one has to work hard to get rid of it," she said.

She said that educators can report any form of bullying to the designate person placed in each State school to deal with such matters. When the case is reported to the anti bullying services unit, the parent of the child is roped in and procedures are taken accordingly, depending on the case.

But one has to establish whether the case is that of misbehaviour or that of bullying first and foremost, she continued.

Last year, the unit received a total 254 alleged bullying referrals which took place in State schools, boys turning out to be the common denominators.

Online bullying

Inspector Zammit said that the police have been working on preventive measures such as the Be Smart Online campaign initiative but this new initiative will help address the issue even better.