The Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (NI) 2016 & Irish Version-Addressing Bullying in Schools Act commenced in September 2021. Schools in all grant aided primary, post primary and special schools are required to comply with its requirements. Statutory guidance for Principals and Boards of Governors of all grant-aided schools has been produced to support the implementation of the Addressing Bullying in Schools Act (NI) 2016.
What is the legislation around bullying type behaviour in schools?
- It provides schools with a legal definition of bullying type behaviour which must be used;
- It requires all schools to have a policy and preventative measures which are kept under regular review; and
- It requires schools to keep a record of all reports of bullying type behaviour, and the steps taken to address it.
The Act places responsibility on the Board of Governors for the development and implementation of its Addressing Bullying Type Behaviour Policy and practices.
The Act states that:
- Schools must ensure that an Addressing (formerly Anti) Bullying Type Behaviour Policy is in place.
- The policy must be freely available to parents and pupils.
- Policy must be followed correctly when incidents or concerns are reported.
- Schools must record all incidents of alleged and confirmed bullying type behaviour including motivation, method, how each incident was addressed, and outcomes.
- Systems must be put in place to ensure that the policy is working effectively to support pupils and reduce bullying type behaviour.
- Policy must be reviewed at least every four years; and the views of parents/carers and pupils sought as part of any review.
Professional Development Opportunities Available
Tier 1 - Research, Resourcing and Universal Training to Support all school and EA staff.
A foundational training course designed for all school-based staff, Governors, Trainee Teachers, and Education Authority personnel. This programme supports the development and sharing of research-informed resources to enhance practice and promote consistent, high-quality education across all schools.
Tier 2 - Leadership training and support for identified staff in schools.
A comprehensive, schoolwide approach to addressing bullying type behaviour in schools, designed specifically for school leaders. Delivered through a regional cohort model, this flexible, blended training offers structured modules that build capacity, foster collaboration, and support the implementation of effective strategies to address bullying type behaviour.
Tier 3 - Targeted Advice for a few key staff supporting complex cases.
ABSIT accepts referrals from statutory bodies such as the Chief Executive’s Office, Department of Education Complaints, MLAs, or the Ombudsman—with evidence that appropriate EA services are already involved as part of a multi-agency approach.
ABSIT does not advise on issues such as non-attendance, admissions, SEND, safeguarding, intercultural education, transport access. These areas are addressed by the relevant specialist EA teams.