Thumbs Up to Anti-Bullying Week Workshops

Hundreds of children have been learning how to look after themselves and others in a bid to stamp out bullying in Sandwell schools.

As part of Anti-bullying Week (Monday 14 November to Friday 18 November) Sandwell Council’s SHAPE Programme and West Midlands Police have been delivering workshops to children and young people in schools.

The partnership has seen over 350 children take part in interactive workshops, games and watch videos with the intention of getting them to understand what bullying is and how to report it.

Children were asked to tackle topics that make them think about their own behaviour and the behaviour of others towards them. It also taught children about cyber-bullying and how to stay safe on the internet.

The workshops, which saw the team and the police visit six schools in total, delivered the final workshop at Wednesbury Oak Primary Academy in Tipton where the children gave a great big thumbs up to the Anti-bullying Workshops.

Councillor Hackett, cabinet member for children’s services went along to the workshop at Wednesbury Oak Academy. He said: “The Anti-bullying workshops have been a real success and we’ve had some great feedback from the children and young people who have attended workshops.

“We hope the messages given during the workshops will stay with the children and help them to know what to do if they are being bullied.

“Although Anti-bullying Week is a time to highlight this issue I want to make sure it remains a priority with schools, families and most importantly children and young people.

“Children and young people should not be afraid to speak out if they feel they are being bullied.”

Stacey Taylor is the Safeguarding Lead at Wednesbury Oak Academy. She said: “The Anti-bullying Workshops are fantastic and we are pleased we have had the team and the police come to Wednesbury Oak Academy. These workshops have encouraged children to think about their behaviour towards others.

If you are a young person and affected by bullying please don’t keep it to yourself. Talk to an adult at your school, your family or call Childline on 0800 1111.

PIC CAPTION: Back row (L-R) Councillor Simon Hackett, Stacey Taylor, Safeguarding Lead at Wednesbury Oak Academy, PC Treasure, young person’s officer with West Midlands Police.

Front row: (L-R) Keira Morris (age 11), Caine Jones (age 10), Riley Medley-Bennett (age 10 and Dylan Farrington (age 10)