Other studies survey the nature and extent of bullying in schools and provide important information about this, exploring differences between the extent of bullying reported in primary and secondary schools, for instance, or between boys and girls. Andrew Mellor, the current manager of the Network, carried out one of the first kind of these studies in Scotland.

There are many small scale but equally important studies taking place in individual schools. Many of these are using an action research approach of recognising a problem, developing a course of action and researching its impact on the problem.

We would love to hear from you if you are involved in this kind of work, trying out ideas to tackle bullying and researching its effectiveness. For the work to count as research - rather than opinion or polemic - there needs to be robust evidence of how the idea is working. This might be perceptions of pupils, or observations of the way in which bullying incidents are handled, for example.

In this issue of Network news, we are launching a new, regular feature. We want to highlight action research projects but will also be interested in other kinds of research. Don't be shy and don't keep your results to yourself! The network exists to share information and ideas. We look forward to hearing from you.

Pamela Munn, Network Director

Dear Andrew,

Is there any research that you know of that backs up the stand of promoting a positive school ethos as an effective way of reducing bullying? We all know this to be so, but we're wondering if there is some proof so to speak!

Warm regards,

Dorothea Lewis and Aileen Cheshire (who support the Anti-Harassment Team at Selwyn College, New Zealand, www.aht-selwyn.school.nz).

Dear Dorothea and Aileen,
The simple questions are always the hardest. The honest answer is that it is difficult to isolate all possible causes when interpreting the changing incidence of bullying. Did it reduce because of what we did or because of other factors? If it has increased, is that because our intervention failed or because society in general is becoming more violent? Could it be that what we usually measure is the reported rather than the true level of bullying? An apparent increase could mean that we have created an open ethos in which problems are discussed rather than buried.

Dan Olweus carried out research which found a significant reduction in the level of bullying after the introduction of a school-based intervention programme in Bergen, Norway in the 1980s. This programme contained elements which were similar to those in many 'positive ethos' programmes. For example, Olweus talks about 'restructuring the social environment', regular class meetings with students', 'class PTA meetings' etc (for details of this and other research see The Nature of School Bullying - A Cross-National Perspective, edited by PK Smith et al, Routledge 1999).

I believe that the best way to reduce bullying is to strive to create a positive, non-abusive atmosphere in schools. The challenge that lies ahead is to develop and to evaluate ways of achieving this - which is why work like yours is so important.

With very best wishes,

Andrew Mellor

A Secondary School Pupil's View
by Catherine Nixon, S6, Hermitage Academy

Hermitage Academy's own Peer Support scheme has benefited vastly from recent networking, which has led to subsequent use of anti-bullying initiatives, an increase in knowledge and new ideas supplied to its weekly meeting sessions. Friends Against Bullying (FAB) has operated in the school since 1994 and it continually strives to succeed in its goals of reducing bullying through a 'no-blame' approach.

All members, be they sixth-year pupils or staff members, feel that any new approaches that can be used to build on the existing policies can only be beneficial.

FAB has used several of the Anti-Bullying Network's specific suggestions: 'drop-in clubs' where younger pupils can express concerns and talk in confidence to older pupils; the routine patrolling of problematic areas of the school and the implementation of 'bully boxes'. All FAB members have also been involved in discussions about such topics as homophobic bullying and many others found through the Network's conferences, newsletters and links to web sites.
Contact: Morag McDonald, APT Guidance, Hermitage Academy, Tel: 01436 672145

A Primary School Pupil's View
by Jamie Bowie, P7, Central Primary School

At the Inverness Conference we told people how we use the Anti-Bullying Network to spread our school's ideas.

Our behaviour policy plays an important part in the school's Anti-Bullying strategies, letting pupils know where they're going right and wrong. Pupils get rewarded for good behaviour but pupils who have difficulty behaving are supported through steps to better behaviour. From this approach to behaviour the Pupil Council was formed giving pupils a voice. Then 'Peer Mediation' was developed. Through this pupils are helped by older pupils to solve their problems.

'Buddies' is an important project. In our internal network the 'primary ones' choose a 'primary seven'. The 'primary seven' looks after their buddy, helping them gain responsibility and trust. The 'primary ones' gain confidence and friendship skills. I enjoy being part of the network both in and outwith the school, sharing ideas and telling others about our good work.
Contact: Mrs Gilroy, Head Teacher, Central Primary School, Inverness, Tel: 01463 233906

A Teacher's View
by Moira Heatly, Depute Head Teacher, Craigentinny Primary School

Craigentinny, like many Scottish schools, prides itself on its positive ethos and has over the last few years developed many strategies to make the school a safe and happy place for our children, including an anti-bullying policy.

As a result of an initial contact with the Anti-Bullying Network, we were asked to pilot a programme called PeaceBuilders. This programme brings together all the strategies already in place within the school to promote positive behaviour and anti-bullying into a single framework and develops a common language and a consistency of approach throughout the school. Through this programme, our network is now world-wide. Our children are establishing email links with other schools in the USA and Australia who are also developing the PeaceBuilders programme.

Our Primary 6 Peace Coaches, known as Craigie Crew, were asked to evaluate their role in the playground and unanimously agreed that there was 'less fighting among the wee ones, less people on their own and more friendly children'. And the one thing which they were having trouble with? 'How do we keep the wee ones out of the puddles?'.
Contact: Moira Heatly, Craigentinny Primary School, Tel: 0131 661 2749

A Parent's View
by Liz Dunbar, Families Against Bullying

The Anti-Bullying Network helps me to contact other parents whose children have been bullied. I managed to find help for my son when he was severely bullied but where was the help for me?

Families Against Bullying has been formed by a group of parents in Perth. Our aim is to promote a better awareness of bullying both in school and outside, to support other parents and to try to find a solution to this growing problem. We are backed by Perth and Kinross Council through its Education and Childcare Services. We meet on a regular basis to offer each other support and we hold meetings with various agencies in order to find the best way forward for individual cases. We promote the services of the Anti-Bullying Network and work closely with the Parent Liaison Team and the Youth Enquiry Service.

If you want to find out more about our group, or just want to speak to people who understand the damage that bullying can do to families, please get in touch.
Contact: Liz Dunbar, Families Against Bullying, Tel: 01738 563044