This year, Anti-Bullying Week is running from the 12th-16th November. This is an issue that I am passionate about and I am always keen to raise the problem of bullying, which affects many of our children nationwide, at any opportunity. In fact I’ve been involved with several groups in parliament looking at the issue.
Bullying has become more commonplace through the development of cyber-bullying through social media, and this year, Anti-Bullying Week will feature an Anti Cyber-Bullying focus on 15th November.
The development of cyber-bullying often means that the online world is a scary place for a victim. With social media facilitating the attack of young people even when they have returned home, Anti-Bullying week aims to decipher the difference between ‘banter’ and ‘bullying’ online. This year, organisations aim to educate young people about how they can confidentially report cyber-bullying to a trusted adult, as well as gathering evidence of cyber-bullying through screenshotting.
Focusing on reducing the incidence of bullying will help our nation’s children to fulfil their potential without the mental health and friendship issues consequential of bullying.
For more information on how you can get involved, see Anti Bullying Week’s website
Barry Sheerman 