Every child deserves to feel safe, respected and included at school. The new Anti-Bullying Survey launched by Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton will give students across Ireland an opportunity to share their experiences and help shape future education policy.
The national Perspectives on Bullying Behaviour 2026 survey was launched on 9 November 2026, marking the beginning of Anti-Bullying Week. Conducted by the Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Youth, the research forms part of the Cineáltas Action Plan on Bullying.
Anti-Bullying Survey open to students nationwide
Schools across the country are being asked to support the Anti-Bullying Survey by giving relevant year groups access to the online questionnaire between 9 and 23 November 2026. Participation will help policymakers understand how students experience bullying, school culture, safety, inclusion and wellbeing.
The findings will also be compared with the 2025 results. This will allow the Department of Education and Youth to monitor changes over time and assess how effectively Cineáltas measures are being implemented in primary and post-primary schools.
What the 2026 survey will examine
- Students’ experiences and perceptions of bullying behaviour
- School approaches to safety, inclusion and wellbeing
- How schools respond to exclusionary bullying
- Support for students with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities
- Whether students feel a sense of belonging in their school community
‘No-One Left Out’ theme highlights inclusion
This year’s Anti-Bullying Week theme, ‘No-One Left Out’, focuses on the harm caused by exclusionary bullying and the shared responsibility of students, teachers, families and school leaders to build inclusive communities.
Schools have received resources to support the delivery of Cineáltas and to encourage conversations about diversity, belonging and respectful relationships. The 2026 survey will become the fourth report in the current Perspectives on Bullying Behaviour series.
Student voices at the centre of national policy
Minister Naughton said listening to children and young people is central to Cineáltas, with their views helping government understand the reality of bullying and develop appropriate supports. The survey is intended to ensure that student experiences directly inform policy and day-to-day practice in schools.
As part of Anti-Bullying Week, the department will also host its third Cineáltas Showcase, celebrating initiatives designed to prevent bullying and promote inclusion, diversity and wellbeing.
Education conference to explore student participation
The Cineáltas Showcase will form part of a wider Student Participation in Education Conference, held as an associated event of Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Students, educators, researchers, policymakers and international delegates will discuss how young people can play a meaningful role in shaping education policy and school life. A student-led World Café consultation on bullying behaviour will provide another setting for young people to share their views.
Why the Anti-Bullying Survey matters
National evidence can help schools and government identify emerging challenges, evaluate existing supports and respond more effectively to students who feel unsafe or excluded. The survey also supports the implementation of the Bí Cineálta Procedures to Prevent and Address Bullying Behaviour for Primary and Post-Primary Schools.
Schools are encouraged to facilitate participation during the survey window. For students, taking part is a practical way to make their experiences heard and contribute to safer, more welcoming learning environments.
Key takeaway
The 2026 Anti-Bullying Survey places student experience at the heart of Ireland’s response to bullying. By participating, schools and young people can help strengthen inclusive education and ensure that no student is left out.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie