Anti-bullying charity and local authority join forces

Scotland’s anti-bullying service has revealed that it has joined forces with South Lanarkshire Council to review its anti-bullying policy.

Respect Me is currently working with the local authority to ensure its policy is in line with current government guidelines.

The Scottish Government-funded service is managed by SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland and its work is driven by a focus on children’s rights.

They work with adults involved in the lives of children and young people to give them the practical skills and confidence to deal with children who are bullied and those who bully others.

Their aim is to build the capacity of these adults to effect change and challenge bullying and stigma at an individual, school, family, community and societal level. They also campaign nationally to raise awareness.

Respect Me partnership manager Lorraine Glass said:“We expect every local authority to have its own anti-bullying policy and that they are taking it seriously and reviewing this not as a reactive measure.

“Every school has been requested to develop its own policy statement to develop something truly local that also involves parents and pupils.

“For parents who are feeling dissatisfied with their school, they can go to the local authority education department or take their case beyond the school to the public service ombudsman. Parents have that right.

“Bullying won’t stop overnight and children on the autistic spectrum are more vulnerable so there should be a national specific focus on ASD.

“An anti-bullying policy can be perfectly written, but it needs to be implemented properly. Strategies need to be put in place to reduce, prevent and respond to the issue longer term.

“Bullying is never acceptable and schools have a complete duty of care to provide a safe and secure learning environment where children are happy and connected.”

For more information about support services provided by Respect Me, visit respectme.org.uk

Kids on autistic spectrum are vulnerable