MEMBERS of staff at each of the county’s schools have received training on a new strategy to tackle bullying.

Two members of staff at all schools underwent training earlier this year in the ‘Respect for All’ programme, which was given the thumbs up by East Lothian Council’s education committee last week.

The policy – which outlines bullying behaviour as including: being called names, teased, put down or threatened; being ignored, left out or having rumours spread about you; and receiving abusive messages on social media or electronic communication – was supported by respectme, Scotland’s anti-bullying service, and follows consultation with not just staff but school councils, parents and children.

The policy is designed to ensure a consistent approach across all schools in East Lothian, in line with the Scottish Government’s National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children and Young People.

Following the meeting, Councillor Shamin Akhtar, council spokeswoman for education and children’s services, stressed that bullying would not be tolerated.

She said: “Every child and young person has the right to grow up free from bullying behaviour and enjoy a learning environment which welcomes diversity and nurtures respect.

“This policy marks a clear commitment to protect children and young people from bullying, and respond quickly and effectively to all forms of bullying.

“I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to contribute to this policy.

“Tackling bullying is the responsibility of everyone in the school community and we must all work to create a culture that encourages respect, values opinions, celebrates differences and promotes positive relationships, which makes it difficult for bullying behaviour to flourish. This policy makes clear that such behaviour won’t be tolerated.”

The policy also takes into account prejudice-based bullying and online bullying.

Councillor Brian Small welcomed the paper and said: “It is really important to create an environment where bullying is not going to be tolerated and you are able to report bullying.”

Fiona Robertson, head of education at the council, said the local authority was “committed” to creating and sustaining “a safe, positive and inclusive environment for everyone in all of our schools and learning environments”.

She added: “Respect For All follows rigorous consultation with school staff and the wider school community.

“It provides clear guidelines on what to do when bullying behaviour is reported and will ensure that all incidents are consistently dealt with in a constructive and fair manner.

“All of our colleagues and partner agencies will be informed of this policy, to ensure a consistent approach across East Lothian.”