NW schools urged to fight the bullies

Ms McStravick, Chair of Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF), said the theme for this year’s Anti-Bullying Week, which will run from November 14 to November 18, is ‘Together We Are Stronger.’

“Last year over 800 schools and youth groups signed up to take part in Anti Bullying Week. They used the resource pack that is issued upon registration to support them in organising a wide range of events within the school environment to discuss the impact of bullying,” she said.

“Almost 3,000 young people entered the Young People’s Competition, which is back this year by popular demand. Participation in the competition provides an opportunity to understand the nature and complexities of bullying behaviour and how schools work collectively with parents and carers to end bullying. It also highlights key issues in relation to bullying behaviour to both the school and wider community and of course there is the added bonus of prizes for individual winners and a chance to win £250 worth of resources for your school or group.”

She added: “All of the activity will explore this year’s theme ‘Together We Are Stronger’. So we’ll be encouraging people to ask: ‘What does it mean to have strength of character?’ ‘How can we use our strength for good? And also ‘How can we empower parents and carers to work together with schools to tackle bullying?’”