Together we must tackle bullying - Ross

Junior Minister, Alastair Ross today helped launch Anti-Bullying Week. Organised by the NI Anti-Bullying Forum this year’s theme is Together We Are Stronger.

Junior Minister, Alastair Ross and Celine McStravick, Chair of Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum pictured Hannah Rachel Storey (15), Crumlin Integrated College, Co. Antrim winner of the Individual without Senior Adult Support Category.

Over 500 schools and organisations in Northern Ireland will take part in events as part of the week long campaign aimed at tackling bullying.

Speaking at the launch in Titanic Belfast Junior Minister, Alastair Ross said: “Bullying is a problem that, sadly, occurs in almost every school around the world. It can take many forms from physical and verbal attacks to cyber bullying. It can happen to anyone and can be profoundly damaging; 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’. It 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.”

During the event the Junior Minister also presented awards to the winning pupils of the anti-bullying competition including art, creative writing and short films.

Junior Minister, Alastair Ross 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 everyone who submitted an entry to all categories of the competition. The increased awareness and momentum which Anti-Bullying Week generates can be a driving force to change attitudes for the better.”

The NI Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF), an independent body which is funded by the Department of Education and helps schools and organisations to try to prevent and deal with bullying.

Notes to editors: 

1. The NI Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF), established in 2005, brings together over 25 regional statutory and voluntary organisations to help schools and organisations working with children and young people to develop appropriate strategies to prevent and deal with bullying behaviours. More information on NIABF is available at: www.endbullying.org.uk
2. Anti-Bullying Week is organised by the NI Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF), an independent body comprising of statutory and non-statutory organisations with a role to play in preventing and tackling bullying and creating a safe environment for children and young people.  The Forum, funded by the Department of Education, helps schools and organisations working with young people to develop appropriate strategies to prevent and deal with bullying behaviours.
3. Anti-Bullying Week (ABW) 2016 runs from 14-18 November.  This year’s theme is ‘Together We Are Stronger’ focusing on strength of character and how we can use our strength for good.
4. To mark Anti-Bullying Week, pupils from schools across Northern Ireland were asked to submit entries to an art, creative writing and short film competition. Within the art category, young people could submit posters, drawings, paintings, sculptures or photographs; in the creative writing category entries could take the form of poetry, short stories, diaries, songs and scripts; while in the short film category entries could be scripted dramas, documentaries or presentations addressing bullying.
5. The NIABF received approximately 500 entries to the competition. A selection of entries can be viewed on the NIABF website.
6. More information on dealing with bullying and getting support can be found on nidirect
7. Media enquiries to The Executive Office press office on 028 9037 8201. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press office via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

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