“All equal, All different, All together” is the theme of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week which was launched at Belfast City Hall yesterday.
This year’s event aims to highlight the importance of everyone working together to end bullying and helping celebrate diversity and inclusivity. It has been organised by the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF), an independent body which is funded by the Department of Education and helps schools and organisations to try prevent and deal with bullying.
Permanent Secretary for the Department of Education, Derek Baker, who helped present awards to the winning pupils in this year’s anti-Bullying competition said: “Bullying is a problem that, sadly, occurs in almost every school around the world and can range from physical and verbal attacks to cyber bullying. It can happen to anyone, can be profoundly damaging and its effects can often be felt right through into adulthood.
“We all have a duty to both tackle bullying and support those who have been affected.
“The Department of Education has provided a clear lead through the ‘Addressing Bullying In Schools Act (NI) 2016’, which will strengthen schools’ ability to recognise and respond to this issue and will ensure greater consistency so that all our pupils can enjoy the same high levels of protection.”
Over 2,000 entries and over 800 organisations registered to take part in this year’s Anti-Bullying Week competition.
Congratulating the pupils, Derek Baker said: “The many inspiring and imaginative entries to this competition illustrate the importance of this issue to our young people and our schools. As well as those who have won prizes, I commend every young person who submitted an entry to all categories of the competition. The increased awareness and momentum which Anti-Bullying Week generates can be driving forces to change attitudes for the better.”
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