Calderhead High School recently hosted a Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) Conference. MVP is designed to train pupils to speak out against bullying and all forms of violent and abusive behaviour. It focuses on an innovative ‘bystander’ approach that empowers each pupil to take an active role in promoting a positive school climate. Within the MVP Programme young people are identified not as victims nor perpetrators but as empowered bystanders able to support and even challenge abusive and bullying peers.
Councillor Heather McVey, Equalities Champion, opened the Conference in the Assembly Hall and thanked all the peer mentors. Sarah Quinn, the local Member for the Scottish Youth Parliament then spoke. This was followed by a performance of ‘Crush’ by the Baldy Bane Theatre Company, a powerful drama that looks at the issues surrounding abuse in teenage relationships, gender stereotyping and the media’s impact on young people’s body image and behaviour. James Docherty of the Violence Reduction Unit talked about the impact of violence; PC Kenny Blades of Police Scotland considered sexting and the legal framework for the sharing of intimate images; and Anne Trevorrow, Educational Psychologist, discussed trauma and nurturing. Pupils were also asked to make a pledge by writing down one thing they will do to tackle gender violence and bullying by Elaine Byrne, the Home School Partnership Officer at Calderhead. Artist Graham Ogilvie produced some excellent illustrations on the day.
