Stop and think – words can hurt
Anti-bullying Week 2011
14-18 November
With the slogan ‘Stop and think – words can hurt’ this year’s campaign is focused on tackling verbal bullying.
The Anti-bullying Alliance (ABA) report that young people at the ABA Youth Summit 2010 raised concerns about the negative use of language in schools and the wider community – expressions like ‘you’re so gay’ and words like ‘sket’ and ‘slag’. They saw this as a key indicator of bullying or a hostile environment.
We know that derogatory language – words and expressions that are homophobic, racist, sexist or disabilist, that seek to demean particular groups and individuals are far too common in our schools, colleges and communities. As Sue Steel, Coordinator of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, says,
‘The use of offensive and negative language is all too common in our schools and communities and can turn into verbal bullying. This is just as serious as physical bullying and it’s very important that it doesn’t go unchallenged. Through Anti-Bullying Week 2011 we’re asking people to tackle the use of casual derogatory language and prevent it from turning in to bullying.’
So how can your school get involved?
In-School Support
The Children's Safety Education Foundation (CSEF) Educational programme
Theatre companies delivering anti-bullying themed workshops
Bespoke team building activities
Download free resources
Sought After Service
Got an idea for Anti-bullying week in mind?
If you would like a whole school enrichment day, twilight session or class workshop delivered in your school simply let us know what you would like, your budget and dates and we will find someone who can deliver!