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26 Nov 07Young People Take The Lead At Anti-Bullying Conference
Young people from across Poole staged a conference to discuss ways to tackle bullying.
The conference, thought to be the first of its kind in the South West, was held at Borough of Poole’s Civic Centre on Friday, November 23.
Forty young people, aged between 13 and 17 from all secondary level schools in Poole, spent the day talking about the issues of bullying and discriminatory behaviour which affects their lives.
The conference was led by young people and looked at a wide range of bullying issues such as cyber bullying, safer journeys to and from schools and how to engage parents.
The programme for the day was developed by members of school councils, the Children and Young People's Shadow Board and Poole Youth Forum 
.
Adults, including councillors, police officers, head teachers and officers from Borough of Poole’s Children and Young People’s Services were all invited to hear the young people’s ideas on tackling bullying at the end of the conference.
The event was arranged as part of Anti-Bullying week (November 19 to 23).
Borough of Poole’s Children’s Services is committed to the elimination of all forms of bullying, harassment and discriminatory behaviour. It is currently developing an anti-bullying strategy aimed at reducing incidents of bullying and prejudice.
Peter Cooper, locality coordinator south 13-19s and portfolio for young peoples participation for Children and Young People’s Integrated Services, Borough of Poole, said: “Children and young people in Poole tell us that bullying and discriminatory behaviour is a problem and that whichever form it takes it is deeply hurtful and damaging to the victim. By staging this conference, young people in Poole were able to air their views and offer solutions for tackling the problem of bullying.”
Cllr Tony Woodcock, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Borough of Poole, said: “Bullying can affect young people’s emotional well being, social development, health and education and have life long consequences. We believe that every child and young person has the right to grow, play and learn in a safe environment, free from intimidation and harassment of any kind.”
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