Tayside pupils have joined forces to tackle the scourge of online bullying.
‘Angus, think before you type’ is a groundbreaking joint anti-bullying campaign with NSPCC Scotland, respectme and Angus Council which began in November.
Children from the youth advisory group, which is made up of 16 pupils, reported their findings on the effects of online bullying to the council’s children and learning committee.
They spoke about the negative impact it can have on the mental health of young people and said everyone has a role to play in preventing and responding to online bullying.
What a night! So inspiring to see a community coming together to take action for change – all led by the powerful voices of young people. #AngusTHINK #onlinebullying #respectforall pic.twitter.com/gESVYmIZO5
— Katie Ferguson (@KatieFerg__) April 25, 2019
The campaign aims to raise awareness of issues faced by children online such as receiving abusive messages.
Pupils want to educate young people, parents and practitioners.
Through a series of workshops and focus groups the partnership will explore how online bullying affects children and young people across the county.
The workshops will be led, designed and delivered by young people in Angus with support from NSPCC Scotland and respectme.
Angus Council’s children and learning convener Derek Wann said: “This is a fantastic campaign and I know that the young people are already working hard to help tackle this issue.
“Whether bullying is happening online or in the real world, it is vitally important that young people who are experiencing bullying can talk to someone they trust.
“I look forward to working with the group to consider what more Angus schools can do to support their work.”
Angus is the first local authority to work in partnership with the NSPCC and the campaign was launched at Links Park in Montrose.
Tonight young people launched ‘Angus, Think Before You Type’ a local campaign to address online bullying. This fab Youth Advisory Group are calling for change and want to make their local community the best place to grow up! #AngusTHINK @AngusCouncil @NSPCC_Scotland @JohnSwinney pic.twitter.com/lS0rVSa65f
— respectme (@_respectme_) April 25, 2019
Local campaigns manager for NSPCC Scotland Carla Malseed said: “Evidence from Childline shows us that online bullying is having a substantial negative impact on children and young people today.
“The report launched shows that everyone has a role to play in responding to online bullying and that by developing positive relationships we can all make a difference.
“This campaign is an opportunity for us to learn more about the experience of young people in Scotland, and how adults can better support them.”
Katie Ferguson, director of respectme, Scotland’s anti-bullying service, said it was clear that no one person has all the answers to online bullying.
She said: “But what this campaign has demonstrated so far is that when communities come together, with young people at the centre, to listen, understand and act – we can together make a difference.
“We’ve been privileged to be part of this campaign which has focused on finding local solutions to a global issue, and we look forward to working alongside our campaign partners and communities across Angus to take forward what we’ve learned and help improve the lives of young people.”
Any children concerned about bullying can contact Childline 24-7, 365 days a year by phoning 0800 1111 or by going to www.childline.org.uk.
