Education Minister John Edzerza will look into a suggestion for compulsory anti-bullying classes in Yukon schools, the minister confirmed Tuesday after question period in the legislature.

Edzerza was asked Tuesday by NDP Education critic Eric Fairclough whether he would consider mandatory school programs to educate students about the often-devastating effects of bullying.

'A serious problem in many of our schools is a learned behaviour that is intolerable; it's bullying,' Fairclough told Edzerza during question period.

'We have heard many complaints about the terrible issue that leads to stress, depression and even suicide. We understand that the Steps to Respect program is available on request to schools.

'Will the minister commit to making the Steps to Respect program compulsory in all schools?'

Fairclough told the legislature Alaska is currently considering legislation to address the bullying issue.

'Will the minister promote healthy and safe educational environments for our students by bringing legislation to this house similar to that in Alaska?'

Edzerza assured Fairclough that the safety of school children is of the utmost priority for the Yukon Party government.

However, he did not provide a direct answer to either of the questions.

But in the hallway during a break, the minister said he thought Fairclough's suggestion is a good idea, worthy of looking into.

'We will look into anything that increases the safety of children,' he told reporters.