Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson for Children and Young People, Sandra Overend MLA, has pledged her support to Anti-Bullying Week.  A series of events running from 17-21 November 2014 is being coordinated by the Northern Ireland Anti Bullying Forum.

 Mrs Overend said:

 “Bullying for any reason is totally unacceptable, but unfortunately it is a problem still faced by too many children and young people in our society today. Any efforts to challenge it are extremely welcome, and I would commend the campaign coordinated by the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum, which is working with more than 800 schools and youth groups across the region.

 “Bullying can take many forms. Traditionally we think of verbal and physical attacks, but with the massive increase in smartphone and tablet use, we increasingly hear worrying reports of cyber bullying and emotional abuse taking place over the internet. The BBC Spotlight programme that went out last week highlighted some of the dangers of social media for young people, and underlined the fact that online safety is a massive issue.

 “The theme for Anti-Bullying Week 2014 is ‘Together We Will Make a Difference’, and recognises that we can all play a part in taking a stand against all forms of bullying. I know that many of our local schools are doing excellent work in tackling bullying, but there are steps that all of us can take, including politicians. I have been calling on the Office of the First and deputy First Minister to take the lead in bringing forward an internet safety strategy for Northern Ireland, so that our children and young people are better protected from the dangers of cyber bullying and online abuse.

 “We must work hard to drive bullying out of our schools, the internet and beyond, we must strive to create a society where every child and young person is safe from bullying, with their views respected and valued.

 “To eradicate bullying will require a concerted and co-ordinated effort from parents, teachers and pupils, in conjunction with cross-departmental government action. Anti-Bullying campaigns like this one go a long way to highlighting the problem and I am therefore very much in support of its message – end bullying now.”