Children to email bullying experiences
Children in Warwickshire are being asked to email their experiences of bullying during National Anti-Bullying Week from 20-24 November.
Warwickshire’s motto is ‘Together we’re buddies not bullies’ and young people are encouraged to come together and share their stories. The email address is bullying@warwickshire.gov.uk and all emails will be treated in confidence.
Warwickshire’s new anti-bullying coordinator, Rachel Evans, said: “We want to know what happened. Did you tell anyone? What helped and what can be done differently? This will give us important feedback so we can build on our work to prevent the problem and tackle bullying effectively.”
Information for young people, parents, carers and teachers is also available on the Warwickshire County Council website http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/bullying Children in need of urgent help with a bullying situation should call Childline on 08001111.
Warwickshire’s directorate for Children, Young People and Families will also be holding a training workshop during anti-bullying week for foster carers. Cared for children are particularly vulnerable to experiences of bullying and the workshops will help carers to look out for signs and provide support.
Rachel Evans said: “We want young people to know that they have our support and we will continue to build upon our work in the county to stamp the problem out.”
Top tips for children and young people:
1. Don’t ignore bullying - it may not go away on its own and it may get worse
2. Tell someone you trust - such as a teacher, parent or friend.
3. Remember bullying is not OK and no one deserves to be bullied
Top tips for parents:
1. Stay calm
2. Listen to your child
3. Talk to the school
4. If at any time you are concerned about the well being of your child or young person talk to your GP
5. If your child or young person has been the victim of a crime, please report it to the police
To find out more about Anti-Bullying Week, visit http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk or http://www.antibullyingweek.org