Whole school approach to anti-bullying in schools
How do we collect CYP voice and empower them to lead activities?
It is vital that anti-bullying work is shaped by the people who are most affected by the issue - children and young people (CYP) themselves. Having CYP lead on campaigns or initiatives makes the work more meaningful, and ensures the problems being addressed are relevant and the solutions effective. It's important that all adults involved in CYP's lives (teachers, parents, carers, youth workers etc) listen to young people and take their views seriously.
The anti-bullying policy should be co-produced with CYPs and be communicated via numerous means to CYPs (by CYPs) at least annually.
Key steps to collecting CYP voice and empowering them to lead activities:
- Set up a CYP reference or action group. Make sure you involve a range of CYP - the CYP in your group will provide ideas, understanding and knowledge, and will act as a representative voice for their peers when it comes to online bullying issues. Involving different perspectives in your group will help make anti-bullying activities more inclusive. It is vital you include groups who have historically been marginalised, focusing on removing barriers to participation. When forming a group, you need to consider:
- Numbers
- Age range
- Diversity
- Experience of bullying
- Gather information about bullying in the school through a survey or focus groups. There are a variety of ways that you can collect information, please see resources and guidance in the primary consultation pack (Word doc) [2MB] and secondary consultation pack (Word doc) [1MB].
- Plan and market the anti-bullying work.
- Do the work. Top tips for effective CYP participation:
- Take care of yourself and the young people you're working with
- Be mindful with your language
- Remember, children and young people have a right not to be bullied
- Listen to what the young people are saying
- Evaluate the work and share the story.
Access these Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) resources about supporting CYPs to be actively involved in anti-bullying initiatives (e.g. including awareness raising, peer support).
These practical activities from The Diana Award can support with implementing a peer-led approach.
Think B4 You Type is a free toolkit to help you support secondary school-aged children and young people to design and lead their own campaign around online bullying.