Our Year 10 Anti-Bullying Ambassadors marked the end of their year in their roles with a thought provoking virtual assembly ahead of Anti Bullying Week 2020 which takes place from November 16th.

By Anna, Diya, Asina, Eva and Shobhitha, Year 10

What is bullying?

The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power.

Bullying can be physical, verbal or psychological or it can happen online.

No matter the form, bullying has a significant impact on a child’s life well into adulthood. This year, more than ever, we’ve witnessed the positive power that society can have when we come together to tackle a common challenge. Anti-Bullying Week is no different. Bullying has a long lasting effect on those who experience and witness it. But by channelling our collective power, through shared efforts and shared ambitions, we can reduce bullying together. 

From parents and carers, to teachers and politicians, to children and young people, we all have our part to play in coming together to make a difference. We are all a piece in the puzzle, and together, we are united against bullying.

This week for Anti Bullying Week, as a school we created one large puzzle, where each pupil had one piece of puzzle to write something they will do to unite against bullying. The jigsaw-style pieces were all collated and brought together to make one huge school puzzle.

What we learned from being Anti-Bullying Ambassadors this year:

How important it was to be present and approachable around the school so students could come to them. But also important for them to signpost where in the school they could go to too.

Have events throughout the year not just around antibullying week to promote antibullying.

Spreading awareness that being a bystander can be just as damaging as bullying

During the year we initiated various new ideas including creating compliment slips for girls to give to each other and t shirts. The new Year 9 Wellbeing Leads  (pictured above by our puzzle) will continue to work towards achieving the wellbeing badge from the Diana Award and we hope they can continue these ideas this year as well as add some of their own!

Where to go to if you have witnessed or experienced bullying?

There are plenty of places to go if you feel like you may be being bullied or know someone else who is being bullied.

1. Tell someone you trust.
2. Keep a record of what is happening.
3. Don’t retaliate.
4. Surround yourself with people who make you feel better.
5. Don’t blame yourself. It is NOT your fault.
6. Be proud of who you are.