WIREDGOV

At the start of Anti-bullying Week 2013, Education and Skills Minister Huw Lewis has called for new technologies such as smart phones and tablets to be used for positive communication rather than for cyberbullying.

In preparation for Anti-bullying Week (#ABW2013), the Welsh Government has launched a campaign to raise awareness of cyberbullying and highlight where children and young people can go for help.

The Welsh Government’s guidance Respecting others: Cyberbullying provides advice to help schools put in place mechanisms to prevent cyberbullying and to respond to it when it happens.

Support materials for Anti-bullying Week 2013 are available on Learning Wales for schools to download. These include anti-bullying awareness posters, top tips to get involved and information on Meic, the advocacy, information and advice helpline for children and young people in Wales.

Huw Lewis said:

"Anti-bullying Week gives us the opportunity to say bullying of any kind is totally unacceptable.

"The theme of this year’s campaign is around cyberbullying. As technology becomes an ever present part of our day-to-day lives it’s sad that things like smart phones, tablets and computers are being used to bully, rather than to learn, enjoy and communicate.

"Let’s stop that and let’s promote the message that using technology for positive communication is much better than using it to cause harm.”

As part of Anti-bullying Week 2013 the Welsh Government is also launching an Anti-bullying competition for schools called Help it, Stop it, Create it which offers schools the chance to turn their anti-bullying message into a short film with the help of a professional video production company.