Cyber-bullying, homophobic and racist bullying all form part of the Department of Education's new Anti-Bullying measures.

All primary and secondary schools will have to adopt an updated anti-bullying policy by no later than the end of term next Summer.

The Minister for Education said the measure were all about respect and building a culture of respect within society.

Education Minister Ruarí Quinn on the necessity for updating the anti-bullying measures which have been in place since 1993:All schools will have to adopt a new anti-bullying policy within the school by the end of the current school year.

Hubert Loftus from the Department of Education says the procedures aim to help the school and the student.

Education Minister Ruari Quinn said cyber bullying forms part of the Department’s definition of bullying under the procedures but its not the only kind of bullying.

The Department has set aside half a million euro this year to deal with the problem.

The Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children is welcoming the measures.

Andrew Jackson is National Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator with the ISPCC.