Launch of Anti-Bullying Week

“All equal, All different, All together” is the theme of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week which was launched at Belfast City Hall today.

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.”

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.  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.
2. Anti-Bullying Week (ABW) 2017 runs from 13-17 November.  This year’s theme is ‘All equal, All different, All together’ focusing on strength of character and how we can use our strength for good.
3. To mark Anti-Bullying Week, pupils from schools across Northern Ireland were asked to submit entries in four categories: written word; art; powerpoint; and performance. Within the written word category, young people were asked to write an essay, short story or poem; in the art category, young people could create a piece of 2D or 3D art or create a short drama; the powerpoint category was for a two minute long presentation; while in the performance category entries could be a video, song or rap. 
4. The NIABF received approximately 2,000 entries to the competition. A selection of entries can be viewed on the NIABF website: (www.endbullying.org.uk).
5. Follow us on Twitter @education_NI
6. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 0762 3974383 and your call will be returned.

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