Anti-Bullying Week: Norfolk And Suffolk
15 November 2010, 05:00
Children, schools and parents are being urged to work together to take action on bullying as part of national anti-bullying week.
The theme this year is "Taking Action Together" and looks at the role of the bystander in reporting and preventing bullying.
There are events taking place all over the country and the campaign even has celebrity support. Pixie Lott has already donated one of her songs to the bullying charity, 'Beat Bullying' to help raise awareness.
'Get Weak' will be Beatbullying's anthem for their online campaign called Big March - which is happening today. You can find out more information on this by following the link. Other celebrities are also joining it - including Aston from JLS, The Saturdays and Alesha Dixon.
Norfolk and Suffolk County Council's are working with schools and young people's organisations to support a range of events and workshops throughout the week to help raise awareness of bullying.
Rita Adair senior educational psychologist and regional adviser for the Anti-Bullying Alliance, said: "Bullying will only stop if we take action together. Children and young people, teachers and adults in the community, parents and carers need to work together to show that bullying will not be tolerated in our communities.
The majority of us want to take action to tackle bullying but sometimes it can be hard to know who to tell, who can help and what strategies really work. This week we will be giving children and young people strategies to enable them to know what to do when they witness bullying. We would equally encourage adults to challenge bullying."
Throughout the week, schools and young people's organisations will be holding a series of activities and events, including a big meeting at Trinity Park in Ipswich today and a performing arts celebration organised by City College in Norwich.
Winners of Norfolk County Council's anti-bullying arts competition will perform at the college, on Wednesday 17 November from 10am to 12.30pm.
Members of the public are welcome to come along to the event but will need to call in advance by either ringing Heather Haycox on 01603 307 567 or Rita Adair on 01603 307567.
If anyone is affected by bullying, some useful numbers and websites for advice and support include:
ChildLine
0800 1111
www.ChildLine.org.uk/bullying
The Anti-Bullying Alliance
www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk