This week the Isle of Wight will see events taking place in support of National Anti Bullying Week 2007. Today (Wednesday), Sandown High School are providing a focus group where students can talk to experts about bullying on school buses and Friday 23rd November is designated national ‘Blue Friday’

Everyone in schools across the Isle of Wight will be encouraged to wear blue on Friday to show their support and solidarity.

The week also marks the launch of a consultation on a new anti-bullying strategy put forward by Isle of Wight Council on behalf of a multi-agency working group, which aims to help improve children and young people’s lives by reducing bullying.

The members of Isle of Wight Children and Young People’s Trust recognises that everyone has the right to live in an atmosphere free from victimisation and bullying and acknowledges the depth of children and young people’s and their parents and carers concerns about bullying across the County, as such have produced an Anti Bullying Strategy to access Click  HERE: Anti-Bullying Strategy for IOW Children’s Trust

Anyone can comment on the strategy and they would also like to hear your views Click HERE: Feedback on the draft Anti-Bullying Strategy-November 2007

The feedback form can either be emailed or posted. The consultation period will last until 21st December.

Anti-Bullying Week is organised by the national body Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) which portrays the message that bullying is neither acceptable nor inevitable. This year’s event carries the slogan ‘Safer together, Safer wherever’ and its theme is based around schools and the local community.

Hampshire Constabulary will be deploying police officers and PCSO’s outside as many schools as possible during the week at the end of the school day. Students can speak to the officers if they feel they are being the victim of bullying and may wish to seek advice.

Numerous Island schools are holding events during the week, ranging from presentations, home-tasks for the family and use of a buddy system to promote positive friendships.

Isle of Wight Community Information @Island Pulse.