| “The research also revealed that cyber bullying is a relatively rare form of bullying experienced by children and young people in comparison to other more traditional forms, however there has been no in-depth research into this phenomenon in Northern Ireland. We wanted to raise awareness of this at the earliest possible stage.
“School bullying can have serious consequences for children, leading to academic underachievement, physical and emotional distress, loss of self-esteem, eating disorders and truancy. We hope that schools will use this week as a stimulus to commit to long-term and sustainable measures to prevent and deal with this problem.”
So what can be done? Resource packs are being issued this week by NIABF to nursery, primary, post-primary and special schools who have registered their interest in the initiative. They provide anti-bullying themed posters designed by children and young people, a DVD produced by local young people, and suggestions for activities that schools can adopt during the Week to develop anti-bullying strategies in partnership with their pupils.
NIABF will also be offering a limited number of workshops delivered directly in schools, by Theatre Squad, from the 19-30 November 2007. Through pupil participation they aim to challenge pupils’ perceptions of others and will touch on issues such as discrimination and racism. Childline (a member of the NIABF) will also deliver workshops, which aim to provide pupils with basic knowledge relating to safe use of technology and techniques to manage incidents of cyber bullying.
Welcoming the campaign, Philomena McDermott, Vice Chair of NIABF said:
“Anti-Bullying Week is an excellent opportunity to remind the whole school community of their anti-bullying policy and practice. Children and young people’s participation is critical in ensuring anti-bullying strategies are effective. We need to remind everyone to work together in promoting the message that bullying behaviour is unacceptable.”
Funded by Department of Education, the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum was launched in 2005 and includes representatives from Save the Children, Childline, NSPCC, Barnardos, NCH, Contact Youth, the Department of Education, Education and Library Boards, CCMS, CCEA, The Children’s Law Centre, Parents Advice Centre, Mencap, NICCY, The Fostering Network, NICIE, NIPPA-the early years organisation, The Rainbow Project, NICEM and teachers’ representatives.
For more information on this press release please contact Janet McKay, PR Consultant on 07968 817514
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