Objectives: Although sex and relationship education (SRE) represents a key strand in policies to safeguard young people and improve their sexual health, it currently lacks statutory status, government guidance is outdated and a third of UK schools has poor-quality SRE.

This circular focuses on the importance of physical activity and healthy eating. It is acknowledged that mental and psychological well-being are a key part of healthy lifestyles. Schools support these through their work on anti-bullying and the SPHE curriculum.

Action Plan on Bullying, launched by the Minister for Education and Skills, and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, sets out twelve actions to help prevent and tackle bullying in primary and second level schools.

In February 2013, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO) commissioned Eleanor Formby from Sheffield Hallam University (in the UK) to carry out research on the impact of homophobic and transphobic bullying on education and employment

The purpose of these procedures is to give direction and guidance to school authorities and school personnel in preventing and tackling school-based bullying behaviour amongst its pupils and in dealing with any negative impact within school of bullying behaviour that occurs elsewhere.