Ruane supports Anti-Bullying Week

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has voiced her support for Anti-Bullying Week which focuses this year on travelling to and from school, free from bullying.

Welcoming the start of a week of various activities and campaigning against bullying, Caitríona Ruane said: “This year’s challenging theme is a reminder to us all that bullying is not only an issue for our schools. Bullying can rear its ugly head in many forms such as racist, homophobic, gender or cyberbullying. No matter what form it takes, or the reason behind it, bullying is not, and never will be, acceptable in our schools. Nor can it be tolerated in our society as a whole. Schools have a responsibility to keep their pupils safe from harm and provide a secure learning environment, but who is responsible once pupils are outside the school gate?

“We must all accept our individual roles in tackling this important issue which can have such a devastating impact on the lives of our children and young people. Only by working together can schools, parents, transport providers and everyone in our community, help to ensure that one less child wakes up on a school day with anticipation and fear.”

The various innovative activities during Anti-Bullying Week have once again been organised by the NI Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF), an independent body comprising of statutory and non-statutory organisations, with a role to play in preventing and tackling bullying and creating a safe environment for children and young people.

The Forum, funded by the Department for Education, helps schools and organisations working with young people to develop appropriate strategies to prevent and deal with bullying behaviours. This year’s campaign begins with the Translink Safety Bus’ visit to Lagan College. Translink has also provided display space for anti-bullying posters at all of their bus and rail stations. Free resource packs are available for schools which include lesson and assembly plans, posters and leaflets.

The NIABF has also produced a series of adverts to be televised throughout the week, which were both scripted and performed by local young people from the Young National Children’s Bureau. They also helped to develop a leaflet for young people offering advice on how to combat bullying provides practical tips on staying safe on the school journey, which is downloadable from the NIABF’s website at www.endbullying.org.uk.

The Minister continued: “The experience of learning at school, and indeed that of just being a child, should be a stimulating and rewarding time. We must not allow that experience to become thwarted through the presence of bullying.

“We have seen the disastrous effects of bullying on our young people and must continue to work to seek more ways to prevent bullying, and to do more to support those that have suffered as victims. We need to actively listen to their concerns, encourage young people to have their say and ensure effective support mechanisms are in place when professional help is needed.

“We are all responsible for our young people, we as friends, as parents and carers, as teachers and as policy makers. I hope this week’s campaign will raise the profile and dangers of bullying in the minds of all.”

Notes to editors:

1. Anti-Bullying Week 2009 (16-20 November). This year’s focus is travelling to and from school, free from bullying.
2. The week will be launched at Lagan College at 11am on Monday 16 November when the Translink Safety Bus will visit the school. Members of the press have been invited.
3. The four television adverts will be shown on GMTV and UTV at various slots throughout the week.
4. More information and resources (e.g. leaflets for children) are available at the NIABF website at www.endbullying.org.uk or www.niabf.org.uk.
5. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9701. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.