Schools must acknowledge bullying is a problem, says Educating Essex head

Vic Goddard, Headmaster from Channel 4 programme 'Educating Essex', is calling on teachers to acknowledge that bullying may be a problem in their school.

Goddard, from Passmores school in Essex, is supporting national Anti-Bullying Week - this year running from 19 - 23 November. He said: "Teachers and school staff need to make sure talking about being bullied is not something to be embarrassed about in their school. Young people can't be expected to speak up if they feel they won't be heard.

"Unfortunately bullying does happen, but the more it's acknowledged, the more we can do about it. Anti-Bullying Week provides the perfect opportunity to kick start discussions about bullying in our schools and communities. Let's make sure kids feel confident enough to speak up. Let's let them know they'll be heard."

The theme for this year's Anti-Bullying Week is 'We're better without bullying' and the Anti- Bullying Alliance (ABA), which coordinates the week, is hoping to shine a light on bullying as a barrier to achievement.

Lauren Seager-Smith  is national coordinator of ABA, which is based at charity the National Children's Bureau. She said: "Bullying is a serious issue that can have a devastating effect on the lives of children and young people and ABA is calling on everybody to get involved and take a stand against this issue. Children and young people who experience bullying need to know they can speak out, that they will be heard, and that they will be taken seriously."

Each year ABA produces a campaign pack for school leaders, teachers, governors, youth workers, parents, carers and children, as well as a range of free briefing papers - to help inspire activity during Anti-Bullying Week.

To see how you can get involved, visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Vic Goddard will be speaking at an ABA event in October. For more information visit http://aba10.eventbrite.com/

ENDS

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Notes to editor

The Anti-Bullying Alliance(ABA) is a unique coalition of over 130 members from the voluntary, public and private sectors, who work together to reduce bullying and create safer environments in which children and young people can live, grow, play and learn. ABA is hosted by the National Children's Bureau. For more information visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

Anti-Bullying Week2012takes place 19-23 November. This year's campaign marks the tenth anniversary of the week in England. For more information on how you can get involved in Anti-Bullying Week 2012, and for details of the 100's of events taking place throughout the country visit www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

The National Children's Bureau (NCB)is a leading research and development charity working to improve the lives of children and young people, especially the most vulnerable. We work with children, for children to reduce the impact of inequalities, by influencing government policy, being the voice for 200,000 front-line professionals, and inspiring practical solutions on a range of social issues including health, education and youth justice, through our extensive research and evidence work. Every year we reach more than 100,000 children and young people through our membership scheme, links with voluntary, statutory and private organisations, and the 30 specialist partnership programmes that operate under our charitable status.