Schools join Anti-Bullying Week

The campaign is coordinated by the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF) and is supported by Translink. NIABF is an interagency group hosted by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) NI and funded by the Department of Education.

Under the theme, ‘I See, I Hear, I Feel’, the Week aims to provide an opportunity for schools and youth groups to work with young people to explore how they communicate with each other, both online and in person, and how bullying can happen. This could include name-calling, teasing, mocking, dirty looks, spreading gossip, nasty text messages and embarrassing posts online.

The last major study into bullying in Northern Ireland* found that the most common form of bullying for pupils in both Year 6 (42%) and Year 9 (36%) remains by being calling mean names, being made fun of or teased in a hurtful way.

Lee Kane, Regional Anti-Bullying Coordinator with the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF), explains the impact bullying can have on a young person:

“The findings from the research indicate overwhelmingly that bullying is occurring and that it does have an impact on a young person. While name calling remains the most common form of bullying at all ages, pupils in Year 6 also cited being left out, excluded or ignored, as well as being subjected to rude gestures as major concerns.

“For pupils in Year 9 the second most frequent type of bullying was spreading lies and rumours about peers, with being excluded and left out also featuring high up the rankings.”

Lee adds: “It is clear that how we talk to, and about, each other is a key concern for many. We must remember that this is not limited to the physical world, but also includes how we communicate online and through smart phones. The participation of schools, youth groups, parents, children and young people is critical to implementing effective anti-bullying strategies. Bullying, no matter how it happens, is always wrong.”

Poster displays, themed assemblies, lesson activities and whole school projects are some of the activities taking place to engage young people in understanding their role and responsibility in tackling bullying.

This year’s Anti-Bullying Week is once again supported by Translink. Anti-bullying messages will be disseminated to the public through poster displays at train and bus stations across Northern Ireland. Translink’s Ursula Kelleher said: “As the leading provider of school transport in Northern Ireland, the safety and welfare of young people travelling on our services is always a top priority. Anti-Bullying Week is an important way of reinforcing responsible and respectful behaviour not only on our services but in all everyday situations.

“This year’s theme highlights the wide range of forms bullying can take. Whether it’s done subtly or made very obvious, bullying is always destructive to someone’s wellbeing and should not be tolerated. It is clear that we must continue to keep young people informed about this serious issue and how to tackle it effectively,” said Ursula.

The ‘anti-bullying week’ campaign allows schools to focus, for one week, on issues surrounding their own anti-bullying policy, which will be of on-going consideration throughout the school year. The resources encourage discussion in school, but also at home, cultivating much welcomed parental awareness and involvement.

To find out more about Anti-Bullying Week go to www.endbullying.org.uk. Alternatively contact Jenny Reid, Project Assistant, on 028 9089 1730 or email [email protected]