Local schools to receive Cineáltas flag to mark anti-bullying week

Local Councillor Andrew McGuinness has welcomed news that every primary and post-primary school is this week receiving a Cineáltas flag and poster to mark anti-bullying week.

The Cineáltas Flag will serve as a visible national symbol of the school community’s shared commitment to be kind and to work together to prevent and address bullying.

The Cineáltas flag, which is an action in Cineáltas: Action Plan on Bullying, acknowledges the good work that schools are already doing and will do to prevent and address bullying and to promote kindness, respect, inclusion, diversity and wellbeing.

Speaking to The Kilkenny People, Cllr Andrew McGuinness said, "Cineáltas means kindness. Anti-bullying week is an important week in the school calendar where we can increase awareness about bullying behaviour and its impact on children and young people and remind ourselves of the importance of kindness.

"I look forward to a Cineáltas showcase event near the end of this school year to celebrate the good work that our school communities are doing and I would encourage all schools to get involved by holding anti-bullying activities and initiatives to raise awareness about bullying behaviour,'' he said.

"Anti-bullying incentives are so important, particularly now in an era of social media where bullying can happen on many platforms, in secrecy and in a very dangerous way. We need to highlight this at every opportunity and ensure our young people are protected," concluded Cllr McGuinness