TACKLING PREJUDICE RELATED BULLYING

10 November 2006

On Monday 13 November, Schools’ Minister Jim Knight will join NASUWT, the largest union representing teachers and headteachers throughout the UK, in highlighting the devastating impact of bullying on youngsters’ lives. 

The ‘Tackling Prejudice Related Bullying’ Conference organised by NASUWT at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre, Westminster, will address bullying in all its forms including racist, homophobic, faith-based and body image. It will also consider the ‘tools’ of the bully.

Chris Keates, General Secretary of NASUWT, said:

“Everyday children are tormented and abused by bullies with devastating and often lasting impact on their mental and physical well-being.

“Bullying wrecks lives. More must be done to raise awareness of its prejudiced nature and to encourage everyone to play their part in banishing bullying.”

Minister Jim Knight said:

“Bullying of any kind should not be tolerated.  It is not part of growing up and it doesn’t make anyone stronger, on the contrary, it simply alienates people and undermines their confidence.

“As schools’ Minister I am working hard with various organisations, including teaching unions such as NASUWT, to ensure that prejudice driven bullying is stamped out.  We have ensured that heads have the powers and support they need to prevent and tackle bullying but we also need young people to play their part.

“This year’s anti- bullying week will focus on the role of the bystander.  It is vital that young people speak out if they witness bullying in their school and help to stamp it out for good.”