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Standing up to be counted: Anti-Bullying Week 2009

Just five years ago, national Anti-Bullying Week was launched. This brilliant idea has already become an annual fixture for many schools, and children’s groups. It takes place next week (16 - 20 November) raising bullying’s profile, its unacceptable effects and, most crucially, the important ways of tackling it successfully.

There are different approaches to deal with bullying, so not everyone agrees. Readers may recall my strong views when Bristol City Council instructed schools NOT to punish bullies using something called a “No Blame” approach.

“No Blame” was, and is, completely daft. I came into politics to improve people’s lives, particularly the lot of children. That’s why I exposed the nonsense of “No Blame” even if it meant upsetting people within my own Party.

There are some things in life where you have to stand up and be counted, no matter how hard. For me, protecting children is one of them. It’s something I’ve done ever since I trained with the NSPCC to become a child protection officer.

Half-a-million copies of my hugely popular free booklet Don’t Bully Me! are in UK homes offering practical advice and support on combating bullying. Please call 01761 320023 or email dan@dannorris.org.uk to get your free copy.

Written for the Somerset Guardian November 2009

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