ABA welcomes Government guidance on out of school bullying
15 April 2009
Today, Wednesday 15 April, The Secretary for
Children, Schools and Families, The Rt. HON Ed Balls, MP, announced
the launch of the 'Safe from Bullying' guidance on reducing
bullying in the community. The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), the
national authority on anti-bullying work with children and young
people, has been asked to support its dissemination.
Over recent years ABA has become increasingly aware of how
bullying in the wider community impacts on the well-being of
children and young people.
ABA Chair Chris Cloke, said: 'This guidance is a timely reminder
of everyone's responsibility to help create safe environments in
which children and young people can live, grow, play and learn. At
ABA we are looking forward to extending our regional support
networks to include practitioners working in a range of
community-based settings. For those starting or developing their
work in this area, our regional advisers will be a helpful source
of advice and will offer opportunities to exchange good
practice.'
ABA also welcomes the launch of the guidance - 'Cyberbullying -
Supporting School Staff' designed to help teachers who may be on
the receiving end of this type of bullying.
ABA Chair Chris Cloke, said: 'We know that teachers can be the
targets of cyber bullying as well as children and young people. We
hope this guidance will help teachers to report and respond to
incidents in an effective way. Bullying of any kind, whether it's
aimed at children and young people or staff, can only be tackled by
a zero tolerance attitude by the whole school community.
This year's Anti-Bullying Week will be Monday 16-Friday 20
November and the theme will be cyber bullying. To find out more
about the work of the ABA or for information on Anti-Bullying Week
2009 visit:
http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/
-Ends-
Notes for editors:
1. The Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) is a unique
organisation of over 60 members from the voluntary, public and
private sectors, who work together to reduce bullying and create
safer environments in which children and young people can live,
grow, play and learn. ABA is based at the National Children's
Bureau (NCB). http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/
2. Anti-Bullying Week 2009 takes place 16-20 November 2008.
This year's campaign marks the sixth anniversary of the awareness
raising week in England. Anti-Bullying Week is supported by The
Department for Children, Schools and Families. For more information
on how you can get involved in Anti-Bullying Week visit http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/
3. NCB promotes the voices, interests and well-being of all
children and young people across every aspect of their lives. As a
leading body for the children's sector in England and Northern
Ireland, we provide essential information on policy, research and
best practice for our members and other partners. For further
information visit http://www.ncb.org.uk/
Contact Details:
Anna Tombs, ABA Communications Officer
0207 843 6045
atombs@ncb.org.uk
media@ncb.org.uk
