Anti-Bullying
Alex Holmes
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Half of the population are bullied at some point in their lives. I was bullied myself and feel that good anti-bullying work is a must for all schools, as young people spend an estimated 11,000 hours at school.
I think every school or setting should empower young people with responsibility and the skills to change the world around them, whether that is their school or community. Good anti-bullying work is all about making it fun, active and visual. Small things from "compliment days" to break-time duties for ambassadors to balloon launches - colourful reminders that the school is against bullying - really can make a powerful difference.
Anti-bullying work is really important for everybody. Everyone has a part to play and it can be fun and even cool.
Let's not forget that bullying doesn't just affect schools, one in four adults is bullied at work. If I were in charge, every workplace would have monthly "smile days", bullying behaviour would be banned from Parliament and the media, and everyone from MPs, teachers, shop owners to lollipop ladies would be shown how they can play a part. From acts of kindness to looking out for each other, my world would be a world where bullying was a rare occurrence.
Do you know a child or young person who could tell adults a thing or two? Email lauren.higgs@haymarket.com or call her on 020 8267 4918
