Lets not rush to suggest that this is the responsibility of the Department of Education. If we had any decent research tools in place, I would suspect that many children in today’s schools are coming to school with the worry and weight of family problems on their minds. Children coming to school from home environments of drugs,alcohol, domestic violence, Parental mental health and financial woes , are sure to suffer depression. Our preventative services working in the community tackling these issues have had their funds slashed – this is the result !

Why dont the department develop a programme like the green flag, have say a yellow or whatever colour you want. To be awarded when schools develop anti-bullying programmes, promote mental health, amd most of all self acceptance, confidence and self-esteem. Have the schools work towards something, then they can fly it with pride. Just an idea?

This is the try true cost of the economic collapse i think there should be introduction of mental health discussion in our schools and educate our kids on how to deal with feeling down and most of all talking to someone they trust instead of passing the responsibility from department to department until this is done there will more suicides all because kids don’t know how to talk about their problems this action will also go along way in dealing with bullying.

I think the IPPN should be pushing to get rid of the 2.5 hours religion per week & use that for sphe & sports which would also help children feel better about themselves. Also i think that there has to be at least an acknowkedgement that bullying in schools is not limited to child to child bullying. There is also bullying of parents by principals, bullying of children by principals, bullying of board members by principals…..no policy in place or willingness to tackle problem by patron or department of education & skills……….

I agree but there is something wrong with an education system where in the majority of schools, children have to participate in 2.5 hours religious instruction per week and only 1 hour of PE. Surely more PE would raise endorphine levels and reduce stress & anxiety. While some parents may opt for schools with religious ethos, many people have no choice of school available to them. In addition Gaelscoils should not have a religious ethos as some gaelscoils currently have RC & COI ethos, which excludes other christian children, non christian children of other faiths and children of no faith…..surely Gaelscoils should be open to any child wishing to participate in Irish medium education.

Teachers are qualified to diagnose medical conditions now?

Where do primary school principals get their diagnostic criteria?
Can they troubleshoot the fuel injection on my Volvo as well?

who realy cares the are poor so mutch off the gov. bill if they die .and ireland stand by and watch.Christans my arss