THE NSPCC in the North of Ireland, the Anti-Bullying Forum and the Western Trust e-Safety Steering Group have worked in partnership to deliver a cyber bullying seminar as part of Anti-Bullying Week 2015 (ABW15).
The seminar was held on Wednesday 19 November in the Waterfoot Hotel in Derryy and brought together a number of key agencies working to address bullying.
The event aimed to increase the ability of the community to identify and respond to bullying in all its forms, earlier and more effectively.
There was a particular emphasis on cyber bullying as we know that many adults do not have the confidence and the knowledge to deal with it.
The theme for ABW15 is ‘What Bullying Means to Me’ and this reflects one of the key proposals in the new Anti-Bullying in Schools Bill, which aims to provide a single common definition of bullying for use in all schools.
This theme encompasses all forms of bullying, both in the physical world and online and defines bullying as “repeated, intentional, hurtful and involving an imbalance of power”.
Chair for the event Sonia Montgomery, Western Trust Health Improvement Department and Chair of the Western e-Safety Steering Group said:
“We are delighted that the Western e-Safety Steering Group are supporting this event with key members presenting on the issue of cyber bullying during Anti Bullying Week.
“By working in partnership and showcasing exciting new programmes which are being delivered in the community we hope to contribute to identifying and preventing bullying behaviour in all its forms including early signposting to support anyone who may need it.”
Speaking at the event Lee Kane, Regional Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum said:
“As the co-ordinator of Anti-Bullying Week in Northern Ireland we are delighted to be holding this event in partnership with the Western Trust e-Safety Steering Group and the NSPCC.
“Our theme for ABW15 reflects the need for us to develop a shared and common understanding of bullying behaviour, as a repeated use of powers to intentionally cause hurt or harm, and of cyber bullying as bullying that takes place through the use of communication technology.
“During the seminar we were able to share our recently updated materials for parents and carers on how to deal with, recognise and respond to bullying, whether it’s in the physical world or online.”
Margaret Gallagher, Campaigns Manager NSPCC NI added: “Anti-Bullying Week gives us the chance to improve our knowledge on this issue and share our experiences so that we are better able to respond to the challenges bullying brings.
“This event focused particularly on the issue of cyber bullying. We know that for most children and young people their online world and offline world are not separate and we need to understand and respond to the new challenges presented by this so that we can support them and help to keep them safe.”
Margaret continued: “Anti-Bullying Week 2015 affords us all an opportunity to come together and help promote resources and support available to any child or young person experiencing bullying in any aspect of their life.
“The NSPCC has a number of key services to respond to any support needs of families on this issue. This includes our website information on online safety including cyber bullying aimed at parents, carers and professionals as well as our adult helpline 0808 800 5000 and our ChildLine helpline 0800 1111.”
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