MP urges schools to sign up to online anti-bullying drive
A Paisley MP is hailing a campaign to keep youngsters safe from cyber bullies and online trolls.
Gavin Newlands met with representatives from Facebook and youth charities Childnet International and The Diana Award, to welcome the roll-out of a major programme offering every school a dedicated digital safety ambassador.
These new youth ambassadors will provide peer support and online safety initiatives in Renfrewshire secondary schools, as well across the country.
Dad- of- two Mr Newlands, the SNP member for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, heard from experts about their vital work on combating cyber- bullying and promoting good digital citizenship.
The MP, who recently led a Westminster debate on the impact that bullying has on youngsters, also met Facebook bosses about the steps they are taking to keep young people safe online.
The commitment will see tens of thousands of pupils in schools across the UK trained as digital leaders or anti- bullying ambassadors.
Mr Newlands said: “Too many young people are afraid to go to school every morning due to the bullying behaviour of others.
“Unfortunately, with the rise of social media, that torment can sadly be extended beyond the school gates and into the safety of the home.
“We need to do more to tackle bullying and that also includes making social media a safe place for all children.
“It’s absolutely vital that students in Renfrewshire have the tools to stay safe and to tackle bullying.
“I welcome Facebook’s commitment to provide digital ambassadors and encourage schools to find out how to get involved in this.”
Will Gardner, CEO at Childnet International, added: “We launched the Childnet Digital Leaders Programme two years ago.
“Since then, we have trained thousands of peer educators in schools across the UK using our innovative digital platform and we are constantly inspired by the amazing activities they deliver to make a really positive difference in their school communities.”
Katie Collett, head of antibullying at The Diana Award, said: “Facebook’s support will enable us to upscale our work, empowering 20,000 more young people to stand up to all forms of bullying and protect their peers.
“Our tried and tested peer- led approach has transformed the lives of thousands of young people in schools across the UK and Ireland who spend 11,000 hours of their hours in education.”
For more information, visit www.childnet.com/digital-leaders or www.antibullyingpro.com