Bully screening?

HC Magazine recently posted about a new trial screening scheme for employers called BullyCheck. Basically young applicants aged between 17-22 consent to a character reference check from their current or former high school.

It would be great if this helps solve the ongoing issue of high school bullying but it could have interesting ramifications if it becomes mainstream practice. The article mentions "If a student voluntarily raises their bullying history and demonstrates remorse and a high level of community service then their application for a job may be considered on its merits" However I find it hard to see how a confessed bully would pass a typical comapany's culture fit test, remorseful or not..

Update:

Some comments are pouring in on the article and so far they're all negative. I've posted some below:


Bree Vreedenburgh

No, no, no. This is an awful idea. You marginalise these kids for their behaviour, without giving them (a) opportunity to demonstrate they have changed and (b) assistance to overcome their bullying...??? What if the kid is a bully because his dad is an idiot? Shouldn't that kid be educated and nurtured instead of marginalised?? Do you really think bullies are going to stop bullying if you refuse them the advantage of stepping into a workplace where they are required to behave like an adult?
Also, why would jobseekers not be told why their application was refused?? Doesn't it defeat the purpose of the exercise - being to make bullies understand that their actions have consequences - if you don't tell them that their bullying led to them being excluded from consideration for a particular job???
I am thoroughly confused by this scheme. 

Deborah

And what happens to these jobseekers if they get refused a job? They go on the dole? That's NOT an acceptable solution. Bullying should be addressed at the coalface - not x number of years later when applying for a position.

Dean Turner

A truly terrifying move!


Natural justice takes a back seat, conspiracy and deception now stand tall front and centre. Having children at school I am aware of this issue, it is now being highlighted ad nauseum to everyone. The issue is this, do school properly investigate an allegation, I know for a fact that 2 or more years ago these issues were being swept under the rug. How does the accused defend themselves? Where are the processes? Under 18 and you criminal record is sealed, yet for this we will happily tell any employer who comes along.

It may be 2011, but it feels much more like "1984"!

Reference checks are an important part of the recruitment process and for many young professionals entering the workforce, a reference from high school might be all they have. Treating this like a Criminal Check is probably the wrong way to go however especially if they can demonstrate solid character references from employment post high school. I guess we will just have to see how the trial plays out and what the results are.