National Anti-Bullying Week

It’s National Anti-Bullying Week this week and I thought I would write a brief post about some of the online resources available to help teachers and children deal with this difficult subject.

I usually write posts relating to the English language, or teaching, so this is something a little different for me; however, as a parent and a teacher it’s a subject I’m always aware of, and raising awareness of the issues surrounding bullying, and enabling those affected by it to access the help they need, is vital work.

The theme for National Anti-Bullying Week 2009 is cyberbullying; with the message ‘stay safe in cyberspace’.

What is cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is the use of any information and communication technology to deliberately and repeatedly threaten, harass or intimidate a person. This may involve the sending of threatening or intimidating text or images by email, text message, instant messaging, or sending messages in online forums or chatrooms. It can also involve spreading malicious rumours or gossip online about a person; or posing as an individual in a forum to post content that will cause embarrassment or humiliation.

The Stop Cyberbullying web site has a very good (if alarming) explanation of cyberbullying.

Useful web sites

The Stop Cyberbullying site has a range of age appropriate guidance and advice enabling seven to seventeen year olds to identify whether they might be part of the cyberbullying problem themselves, how to behave in an appropriate and respectful way online, and how to stay safe in cyberspace.

The official anti-bullying week web site has resources for schools, and details of shows, creative workshops and other events.

Teachers TV is an excellent source of videos with case studies, discussions and role plays about bullying, and how to deal with it.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance (an alliance of over 60 organizations working to stop bullying) has a useful list of web sites which address the issues surrounding cyberbullying

The ThinkuKnow web site has useful age appropriate guidance on why it’s important to stay safe in cyberspace, and advice on the skills and knowledge needed to do this. They also have a ‘virtual police station’: a page where young people can make a complaint or report a problem that will then be seen by a police officer or special investigator who will contact them.

Percy the Pigeon

‘Please tell someone if you are being bullied’ is the message behind Percy the Pigeon’s anti-bullying campaign to encourage young people to tell a safe adult if they are being bullied.

 “Matt, the main character of 'Matty-boy and the Secret Pigeon Racket', is being fostered, and has had to move in with a new family and go to a new school. As well as the many changes in his life, he also gains the unwelcome attention of the school bully but doesn't know who he can trust to tell about it.” 

Enter Percy the Pigeon the hero of the children’s book for 8 to 12 year olds, 'Matty-boy and the Secret Pigeon Racket'; written by Anita Hunt.

50p from the sale of every copy of  'Matty-boy and the Secret Pigeon Racket' is donated to Bullying UK.