This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
A competition to find creative anti-bullying messages for children and young people has been launched by the Isle of Wight Council and its partners.
Children and young people are being invited to submit poems, artwork and pieces of creative writing around the theme ‘we’re better without bullying’, with the chance of winning a Kindle e-reader or iPod along with prizes donated by Southern Vectis, McDonalds and Islandline.
Winning entries will be circulated for use by Island schools during this year’s national Anti-bullying Week 2012 when they will be holding a series of events and special assemblies to promote anti-bullying messages. Some of the entries may also be used to front the Island’s anti-bullying strategy document and web page.
Judging panel to include young people
The competition is for children and young people aged from five to 19. There are five age categories (Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and 16 to 19 year olds). People have until 12 October to submit their entries which will be judged by a panel including young people on 5 November.
It is being organised by the Isle of Wight Council in partnership with the police, NHS, local children’s safeguarding board and schools to highlight issues around bullying.
“Bullying, whatever form it takes, is not acceptable”
Councillor Dawn Cousins, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for children’s services and education, said: “Bullying, whatever form it takes, is not acceptable and we would like children and young people to get creative and produce a piece of artwork, a poem or a story which will help to promote the important message that ‘we’re better without bullying’.
“An enormous amount of work is carried out by schools, the council and its partner agencies throughout the year but Anti-bullying Week in November provides an opportunity for us to reinforce important messages and highlight the support available to those who may be worried about bullying.”
Support for victims of bullying
There are a number of services are available to children and young people who feel they are victims of bullying – and their parents. They include:
Childline: 0800 1111
Parents Anti-bullying Helpline: 0845 205 204
Anti-bullying Alliance facebook page: www.facebook.com/antibullyingalliance
Competition details
Subject: ‘We’re better without bullying’
Submit one or more of the following:
Poem
Piece of creative writing
Piece of artwork
They should make people think about bullying and how it should be dealt with.
Send entries by 12 October 2012 to:
Multi-Agency Anti-Bullying Group
4-5 St James Street
Newport
PO30 5HE
Or email [email protected]
Entries will be judged on 5 November 2012 by a panel of judges including young people.
