Call for mandatory anti-bullying programmes

The Ombudsman has called for mandatory anti-bullying programmes after a Wellington school failed to deal with systemic violence. File photo / Thinkstock

The Ombudsman has called for mandatory anti-bullying programmes following the failure of a Wellington school to deal with systemic violence by students.

Violence at Hutt Valley High School was exposed following several incidents in December 2007, including a sex assault on a student, drug-taking, bullying and intimidation of teachers.

Five students were referred to the family and youth courts as a result of it but only once parents complained.

Ombudsman David McGee investigated the issue and today released his report, in which he recommends mandatory anti-bullying programmes, that victims be given a voice in school disciplinary processes and that there be greater guidance for school discipline.

Mr McGee described the assaults at Hutt Valley as being part of a "systemic problem of violence" which the school recognised but did not adequately address.

The school:

* Failed to refer the perpetrators to the police or Child Youth and Family (CYF) for investigation;

* did not adequately punish the perpetrators;

* took it upon itself to interpret medical information in favour of the perpetrators; and

* failed to tell victims' parents their children had been assaulted.

As well, there was a lack of student supervision outside of class time, with teachers not performing scheduled duty, "some for fear of their own safety".

The incidents led to complaints against the Education Review Office, for failing to properly assess the school's safety, and against CYF, for failing to manage a conflict of interest held by one of its staff who was also chair of the school's board of trustees. Both complaints were upheld.

"While the school understated the seriousness of the 2007 assaults, it has since been very proactive in addressing bullying and violence at the school," Mr McGee said.

These steps had included introducing anti-bullying programmes and setting up a safety advisory group which included student representatives.