Bullying policy to go under the spotlight

Oldham Council
COUNCILLORS have unanimously backed a campaign by Oldham youth council to combat bullying in schools.

Dylan McAughey (15) told last night’s council meeting that bullying was a number-one concern for young people.

The teenager asked chiefs to scrutinise school policies to make sure incidents are properly reported. His research showed 92 per cent of children questioned had been bullied or had seen it taking place.

Councillor Diane Williamson welcomed the proposals: “As a school governor myself I am more than happy to work with the youth council on this,” she said.

Lib-Dem leader Councillor Howard Sykes suggested that if schools were forced to produce a league table of bullying, it would make a difference on where children chose to be educated.

“We’re all parents here,” he said. “The aspect that disturbs me most is that ordinary people stand by and let this happen.”