Ombudsman launches bullying inquiry

The Ombudsman's office is investigating school bullying and violence following an international survey showing a higher number of incidents here compared with overseas, says the Dominion Post.

Releasing information of the investigation in its annual report, The Ombudsman's office cited a report released in January showing New Zealand children had the second-highest reported incidence of bullying.

The study investigated year 5 pupils in nearly 40 countries, including 5000 New Zealanders. Kiwi children were reporting bullying incidents at double the international average, it found.

The Ombudsman's investigation follows complaints about the Hutt Valley High School board of trustees from parents over a 2007 incident, involving the violation of nine boys by six of their classmates.

The School Trustees Association, representing 90 per cent of school boards, said the results indicated open communication.

"The only reason we are hearing more about bullying and violence in schools is because boards are being more open about incidents rather than sweeping them under the carpet," president Lorraine Kerr said.

- NZPA