Many Island schools and services will be holding events as part of the annual Anti-Bullying Week held between 19 – 25 November. It will also mark the launch of consultation on a new anti-bullying strategy put forward by Isle of Wight Council on behalf of a multi-agency working group, which aims to help improve children and young people’s lives by reducing bullying.
Anyone can comment on the strategy, which will be available from 19 November at EduWight which can accessed through the council’s website – www.iwight.com. A feedback form will be available which can either be emailed or posted. The consultation period will last until 21 December.
Anti-Bullying Week is organised by the national body Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) which portrays the message that bullying is neither acceptable nor inevitable. This year’s event carries the slogan ‘Safer together, Safer wherever’ and its theme is based around schools and the local community.
Numerous Island schools are holding events during the week, ranging from presentations, home-tasks for the family and use of a buddy system to promote positive friendships. At Sandown High School on Wednesday 21 November, a focus group will be held where students can talk to experts about bullying issues arising on the journey to school. This event will also be attended by representatives from Island Line, Southern Vectis and the Community Rail Partnership.
Hampshire Constabulary will be deploying police officers and PCSO’s outside as many schools as possible during the week at the end of the school day. Students can speak to the officers if they feel they are being the victim of bullying and may wish to seek advice.
One of the main events is on Friday 23 November which sees national ‘Blue Friday’. The aim of this day is for staff and students at schools to come in dressed in blue clothes to send a clear message that bullying should be stamped out.
Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet member for Children & Young People Alan Wells said “Bullying is something that affects millions of youngsters across the country. Some people may think bullying is only physical and inside the school gates, but it can be through phone calls, text messages, Internet chatrooms and threats and people feel afraid and vulnerable. The week also sees the launch of consultation on the council’s Anti-bullying Strategy which is an important document aimed at tackling the issue and improving the lives of young people. Anti-Bullying Week is a key event which the council fully supports”.
