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National Anti-Bullying Week
17/11/2008
Scotland's national Anti-Bullying Week was launched today in partnership with the anti-bullying sevice respectme at an event attended by 120 teachers, parents and pupils.
Schools and Skills Minister Maureen Watt called on everyone involved in helping young people develop and learn to do even more to deal with all forms of bullying.
Ms Watt announced:
- The launch of respectme's You Can Make a Difference national awareness media campaign
- Continued Scottish Government funding for an anti-bullying helpline operated by Childline Scotland
- New anti-bullying resources focused on tackling specific types of bullying, helping young people and giving guidance to those who support them
- A booklet from respectme giving parents practical advice on how they can make a difference to the lives of young people who are bullied
The Minister said:
"The Scottish Government is determined to do all we can to help everyone working with young people prevent and tackle bullying effectively.
"We need to address all types of bullying so that schools can be inclusive, welcoming places, irrespective of an individual's race, beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age.
"I am pleased to be able to announce a number of new initiatives which will help further this aim.
"Sometimes bullied young people feel they have no one that they can turn to. That's why the Scottish Government is providing £480,000 over the next three years to fund a confidential anti-bullying advice service, provided by Childline Scotland.
"We are also making new resources available to give support for individuals who may face specific types of bullying. I am sure that these will prove reassuring and helpful for pupils, parents and teachers.
"We all have a role to play in tackling bullying and respectme's new campaign, You Can Make a Difference, will help raise awareness of how to get involved and give our young people the support they need."
Brian Donnelly, Director of respectme, said:
"Our campaign builds on the positive ways we can influence our children and young people. When it comes to bullying behaviour they tell us that it's the adults in their lives that can make a difference.
"Our resources are designed to encourage and empower adults to listen and respond effectively - to be the person that children and young people want to tell if they're being bullied, and to be the one that can make all the difference."
Launched in March last year, respectme is Scotland's national anti-bullying service.
The Scottish Government will provide £160,000 per year from 2008-2011 to Childline Scotland for the anti-bullying helpline. The helpline enables children and young people to access confidential advice and information about bullying.