Delivering anti-bullying messages

BY NEWS REPORTER
shuz@slpmedia.co.uk

Schoolchildren wrote and recorded their own anti-bullying anthems at a council’s annual awareness raising event to mark the start of Anti-Bullying Week 2017

About 100 pupils from six primary schools attended a day-long series of workshops on Monday designed to boost their self-confidence and put a stop to bullying. Tying in with the ‘all different, all equal’ national theme for this year’s Anti-Bullying Week, young people learnt about celebrating what makes them and others unique and why it’s important that every child feels able to be themselves without fear of bullying.

The long running event, now in its 12th year, went on tour for the first time and was held at Plumstead Manor school. Prefects at the school in Old Mill Road, helped to plan and organise the event and show pupils around. They were joined by peer mentors from St Thomas More school in Footscray Road, Eltham to lead interactive workshops using IT, drama and games to put their message across in a fun and engaging way.

Pupils also took part in Little Fish theatre company workshops and had the opportunity to visit a range of information stalls and take part in fun activities run by the school nurses team and police cadets. The event ended with a showcase of the songs made and produced by pupils with support from The Song Writing charity.

Councillor Chris Kirby, cabinet member covering the children and young people portfolio, said: “It is fantastic that young people from our local secondary schools took the lead in supporting younger children learn anti-bullying messages in fun way. Events like this are key to stopping bullying by boosting young people’s confidence and encouraging them to celebrate what makes them unique.”