Calling All Teachers to Register for Anti-Bullying Schools Programme

DCU’s National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre in partnership with Facebook calls on Teachers to Register for FUSE the Anti-Bullying Training Programme for Post-Primary Schools

The National Anti-Bullying Centre (ABC) at DCU has announced the first set of dates for FUSE, a research based programme, supported by Facebook, to train teachers in how to tackle bullying both online and offline. ABC and Facebook are urging teachers in post-primary schools to register for one of the training days on September 24th, 25th or 26th. 

The training will have six modules, including bullying and online safety with a range of resources available to teachers. The training and resources will educate teachers on how to deal with scenarios that are likely to occur within the classroom, the school and online.

The programme is grounded in Irish and international best practice research, consisting of an in-person training session, online workshops and projects aimed at second year junior cycle students across Ireland. This is the second phase in the programme following an investment of €1m by Facebook.

FUSE is designed to create champions within each post primary school in Ireland who can then peer train other teachers, and parents, in how best to tackle a range of online and offline bullying issues. Over the course of the academic year, the prgramme aims to increase reporting and reduce levels of bullying in schools. Collectively, this will enable school staff, students and parents, to tackle bullying and online safety together.

Professor James O'Higgins Norman, ABC Director and UNESCO Chair on Tackling Bullying in Schools and Cyberspace said,

“We’re very excited to now move into the delivery phase of this initiative. Based on academic research and feedback from those on the ground, the course has been specifically designed to meet the needs of principals, teachers and parents, all while being youth led. By adopting a train-the-trainer approach, this programme will empower teachers and parents to further educate whole school communities in bullying, cyberbullying, and online safety issues. Education and understanding are key to tackling bullying in the school environment and this initiative will deliver both”.

Amy McArdle, Facebook’s Safety Policy Manager commented:

‘We take the issue of safety on our platform very seriously. That is why we have made a considerable investment in support of our safety partners, ABC. We always listen to the experts when it comes to online safety and are delighted to enable the ABC team tackle bullying in Ireland through the school environment. Over the three years of this initiative, we aim to help teachers and parents understand the complexities of bullying and develop the skills to support students when it comes to online safety.“

The FUSE programme is part of the Department of Education and Skills Wellbeing Framework and supported by the NABC, ISPCC and Dublin City University, and funded by Facebook.

To run FUSE in your school and learn more about the programme please visit the website: https://antibullyingcentre.ie/fuse/ or please contact us on Tel: 01 884 2012.