Children take a stand against cyberbullying

Reporter: Aisha Iqbal
Date online: 23 November 2009

The Children's Society Rochdale brought together young people and education professionals at an event held at Rochdale Town Hall on Thursday 19 November to celebrate National Anti-Bullying Week.

The aim of The Children’s Society Anti-Bullying team is to bring together practical measures to protect children and young people from bullying.

Focusing on the worrying trend of cyber bullying, pupils from 13 schools across the borough will showcase a variety of performances and presentations to highlight the seriousness of bullying and to raise awareness of the week.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Keith Swift, presented a keynote address on the day, focusing on this form of harassment and what can be done to tackle it.

Over 100 young people performed a song, as well as several presentations and a drama workshop focusing on cyber bullying on offer. There was an opportunity to discuss the systems that are in place throughout the borough to prevent bullying in all its forms.

Children’s Society Programme Manager Circle Steele said:

“With the rise of social networking, email and mobile phones, young people are in a vulnerable position and showcases such as this one aim to empower those who fall victim to this harassment to speak openly about it”.