Step Up Step Up - December 2013 | Page 15

STEP UP STAYING SAFE Bullying has to stop! November saw a focus on the important and life-changing issue of bullying and the need to either stop it or support its victims. Practitioners have been reminded of the need to find opportunities to talk with children, young people and parents or carers about what are often complicated personal circumstances. The theme of the month has been ‘creatively dealing with bullying using non-violence’, while the week of 18 to 22 November focused on the idea of ‘The future is ours. Safe, fun and connected.’ The Anti-Bullying Alliance has called on children and young people to take the lead on creating a future without bullying – using new technologies to promote positive communication, rather than being held back by cyber-bullying. The aims for the week were: • To ensure all children and young people are equipped to recognise and challenge bullying behaviour wherever it happens – whether face-to-face or in cyberspace. • To equip schools, colleges and youth service leaders with resources to encourage youth-led anti-bullying initiatives and the positive use of new technologies. • To educate those who support and work with children to recognise those who may be particularly vulnerable to bullying through new technologies – encouraging an inclusive approach to all e-safety education. Useful links: www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk www.antibullyingweek.co.uk www.kidscape.org.uk/resources/anti-bullying-week-2013 www.beatbullying.org www.stonewall.org.uk/at_school/antibullying_week/default.asp www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24639063 If you are interested in planning some group work, training or activities around anti-bullying, email [email protected] or call 020 8726 6000 ext16386 or 07789 395684. PAGE 15