The Principals Federation says it is alarmed at the results of a school bullying survey showing the country has one of the worst reputations in the world.
The survey of primary schools in 36 countries was produced by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement.
It showed a third of year five students had experienced bullying, including being called names or physically hurt by other students.
Principals Federation president Paddy Ford says more government assistance is needed in a number of areas, including more social workers and police education officers in schools.
Labour's former education minister, Chris Carter, on Sunday acknowledged that bullying rates need to be lower and said the Ministry of Education needs to do more.
