Bristol pupils spell out the anti-bullying message
They spelled out their commitment to the cause yesterday by lining up in the wide and colourful street in their new buildings to make it clear that they intend to beat bullying.
The theme of the week this year is cyber bullying, so BEC will be presenting a short film on this theme to all students. Parents and carers are also to be given postcards giving advice about cyber bullying.
On Friday, students will be wearing blue to show their support.
At the end of the week, a team of street artists will be working with students to design and produce a large anti-bullying logo.
Brislington has a strong record in anti-bullying work, having pioneered peer mentoring and support systems and restorative approaches.
Similar activities are taking place this week at many schools in the Bristol area and across the country.
Clare Campion-Smith, Bristol City Council's cabinet member for children, said: "All forms of bullying are horrible, but cyber bullying is particularly nasty as children can't get away from it. Most young people now have a mobile phone, or contact people using the internet, and this contact is 24 hour. It can mean that bullying continues in their own home.
"Our message to children and young people is, if you are being bullied in any way, always tell an adult. If you have any kind of proof of bullying, such as a text message or email, remember to keep it to use as evidence."
Children's Secretary Ed Balls reinforced the message to youngsters and to parents that incidents of abuse should always be reported.
He said: "It's really important that young people can use new technology and the internet to learn, have fun and stay in touch with their friends.
"But we also know that mobile phones or computer screens can be used to taunt and bully young people, which can have devastating consequences. I want parents to feel confident coming forward and reporting bullying incidents to schools, as we know this helps to stop bullying.
"Schools, parents, young people and technology providers all need to work together to tackle cyber bullying."
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