The 2009 Kids Life and Times Survey conducted by ARK at Queens University and the University of Ulster found some interesting results.  Rather than looking at teachers’ or parents’ views it is based on the views and experiences of children. More than 3,600 Primary 7 children from 268 schools across Northern Ireland took part on the online survey. 

They results are quite shocking showing that 58 percent of children reported that they had been bullied either physically or otherwise within the last 2 months (22% physical, 34% other ways). While most children felt they had someone to turn to if they were bullied, others felt they would not know who to approach (11% boys, 8% girls) and others felt they would tell no-one (5% boys, 3% girls).

And with the Prime Minister under attack following allegations in Andrew Rawnsley's The End of the Party, it seems that bullying is an ever present topical issue and a growing problem.  There is a real need to tackle the problem in school and in the workplace, a need to end the culture of bullying, a need to protect victims and prevent it from recurring.  Bullying is an issue that needs to be taken seriously. 

This survey is very important in giving kids a voice to show the current extent of bullying in primary schools and will hopefully help people in authority to make changes to improve access of help to those that are bullied and to take steps to stop bullying for good.

Susanne, Year 8