Anti-Bullying Week is a crucial event in the school calendar, dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of bullying and promoting a culture of kindness and respect across our school. This week links to the national anti-bullying campaign run by the Anti-Bullying Alliance and serves as a reminder of the importance of everyone creating a safe and supportive environment for all.
One of the key focus areas during our National Anti-Bullying Week has been educating students about the difference between bullying and banter. While banter can be a friendly and playful exchange, it becomes bullying when it is intended to hurt, humiliate, or intimidate someone. Understanding this distinction is vital for encouraging healthy relationships that are respectful. So often, ‘banter’ can go too far and friendships and feelings get hurt along the way. This week, we have raised awareness with students so that they can think about their actions and consider the impact it may have on others.
Assemblies throughout the week were planned and presented by our Head Boy, Felix Emmanuel. This assembly covered topics such as banter, cyber bullying and physical bullying. Students in the audience participated well when answering questions about the different bullying scenarios discussed by Felix and the other Sixth Form presenter, Millie. During the assembly the message was clear, the importance of ‘calling out’ and reporting bullying is vital to help us put a stop to it.
Another critical aspect of Anti-Bullying Week is ensuring that students know how to report concerns. We encourage students to speak up if they witness or experience bullying. Here’s how they can do it:
* Talk to a Trusted Adult: Students should feel comfortable approaching any member of staff, whether it’s a teacher, teaching assistant, or student support staff. These adults are trained to handle such situations with sensitivity and confidentiality.
* Use the School’s Reporting System: Bullying can also be reported on the following email address stopbullying@friaryschool.co.uk.
* Peer Support: Sometimes, talking to a friend can be the first step. These friends can then help guide the student to the appropriate adult.
* Anti-Bullying Week is not just about addressing bullying when it happens; it’s about creating a proactive and supportive environment where bullying is less likely to occur. During the week students have also completed PSHE and tutor activities on anti-bullying.
By participating in Anti-Bullying Week, we reinforce our commitment to a safe and inclusive school environment. It’s a collective effort that involves students, staff, and parents working together to ensure that every student feels valued and respected.
On Tuesday 12 November, we joined in with National Anti-Bullying Week by participating in their ‘Odd Socks’ campaign. This campaign aims to raise support and raise awareness for anti-bullying by asking people to wear odd socks.
Felix Emmanuel, Head Boy, said: “Everyone deserves to attend school feeling safe and secure in their environment, which is why it is essential to eliminate any form of bullying taking place inside and outside of school. The Anti-Bullying Week assemblies and tutor activities have given us all an opportunity to reflect on our own actions and understand better how we can support each other to feel safe in school.”
