SCHOOLS across Northern Ireland are being urged to "break the cycle of bullying".
More than 300 young people have helped to develop resources and ideas to assist others as part of this year's Anti-Bullying Week 2022.
Running from November 14 to 18 and coordinated by the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF), it aims to create awareness of bullying and the devastating impact it can have on children and ways to stop it.
Using the theme of 'Reach Out', schools across the north can access resources including assembly and lesson plans as well as cross-curricular activity ideas to encourage pupils to think about how they can address bullying online and off-line.
These resources have been carefully curated with the help of professionals at Stranmillis University College and St Mary’s University College.
There will be familiar events held during the week, such as Odd Socks Day on November 14 and the Creative Arts Competition as well as a new one-day conference at the Whitla Hall in Belfast on November 16, aimed at those working with children and anyone with an interest in addressing bullying.
The free event, 'Reach out to stop bullying' will address how psychology can contribute to bullying among children and young people in schools and communities.
Kathleen Toner from NIABF said: "Bullying affects millions of lives and can leave us feeling hopeless. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If we challenge it, we can change it. And it starts by reaching out, which is the theme of this year’s event.
"It’s a pleasure to be able to bring back our annual event to support those in schools, homes and communities here to reach out and support one another to end the bullying cycle.
"We all have a role to play, whether we are teachers, parents, influencers or politicians; every member of the community must take a stance through behaviour and set good examples to create a kind community for everyone.
"We encourage every school and setting where children and young people are to join us this year and help in what is a collective and fun campaign to end this social issue."
For information, please visit http://www.endbullying.org.uk/anti-bullying-week/.
