During anti-bullying week (14th – 18th of November) we had a number of activities taking place across the school raise awareness of bullying and how to deal with it. Our S1 & 2 pupils took part in a workshop, lead by S6 pupils, looking at different aspects of bullying. This was a really worthwhile activity, allowing our S6 pupils to develop their leadership skills and increasing awareness of bullying and how to deal with it for our junior pupils.
Throughout the week, pupils in personal support discussed what they would do if they saw someone being bullied and the distinction between fear and respect. Pupils were able to watch an interactive video showing a school pupil being bullied, they were able to chose what to do at key stages, report it or do nothing, and then discuss how this affected the victim in each case.
Our rights respecting schools group sold anti-bullying wrist bands throughout the week to raise money to support victims of bullying and organised a non-uniform day on Friday too. We joined the “wear blue campaign” to support victims of bullying in the UK.
Mr Milligan’s S2 student council members demonstrated the benefits of kind words and actions by encouraging pupils and staff to “take a compliment” strip and pass it on. Mr Burrett was particularly pleased when he was told he was “On Fleek.” The S3 student council members also produced a presentation about bullying which was displayed on our school TV all week.
On Thursday had a visit from the band “White Eskimo” who entertained pupils from S1-3 and spoke to them about the importance of making your own life choices and not being influenced by others. Money raised from the event was donated to RespectMe, Children in Need and BullyingUK.
In classes we used discussion points as lesson starters and during personal support we also discussed the difference between fear and respect. This helped us to talk about what we knew about bullying and discuss our opinions.
Article 19 states that every child has the right to protection from harm and abuse, we are supporting this through raising awareness of signs of bullying and discussing what to do if you or someone you know are being bullied.
