Anti-Bullying Week 2009

Monday 29 June 2009

 

Now a regular feature of the school calendar, the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) Anti-Bullying Week shines a light on bullying, sending a clear and positive message that bullying is neither acceptable or inevitable in our schools and communities.

Cyberbullying

This year's Anti-Bullying Week campaign 'Stay safe in cyberspace' focuses on cyberbullying - the use of information communications technology (ICT) - particularly mobile phones and the internet deliberately to upset someone else.

Cyberbullying is a growing concern. Because cyberbullying is indirect and may be perceived as anonymous, we know that it is not always taken as seriously as other forms of bullying. However, children and young people tell us that it is just as painful and how it can follow them around everywhere they go.

"I felt that no one understood what I was going through. I didn't know who was sending me these messages, and I felt powerless to know what to do"

Whilst for many young people the internet and mobile phones are a positive and productive part of their lives, they can also be used negatively. Older primary school children also need to understand how they can use these technologies safely and constructively as they make the transition to KS3.

Anti-Bullying Week Resource Pack for schools

ABA will be sending every school in England a free Anti-Bullying Week 2009 resource pack on cyberbullying. Keep an eye out for the pack - it should arrive at your school during the week of 14th September, and includes:

  • Briefing material for school leaders and governors
  • Information ideas and resources for teachers - including how you can use technology simply and imaginatively in anti-bullying work
  • Links to curriculum and ABA resources
  • Materials for parents and pupils (can be photocopied)

 

There will also be a poster to support your anti-bullying work and stickers to help your school community unite against bullying.

About ABA

ABA is the leading coalition of anti-bullying organisations. With more than 60 members ABA works all year round to reduce bullying, and to create safer environments where children and young people can live, grow, play and learn.

Our objectives are to:

  • raise the profile of bullying and the effect it has on children and young people's emotional health and well-being, life chances and achievement.
  • create a climate in which everyone agrees that bullying is unacceptable and is committed to tackling it in order to improve outcomes for children and young people.
  • ensure that teachers and other adults working with children and young people, and young people themselves, are equipped with the skills and knowledge to address bullying effectively.

 

Visit the ABA website now to find out more about the work of ABA and our plans for Anti-Bullying Week 2009.