The theme for Anti-Bullying Week 2018 was ‘Choose Respect’ and Epsom hosted a series of events and talks to encourage reflection on this topic. The aim of the national week is to help young people to understand:
- The definition of respect
- That bullying is a behaviour choice
- That we can respectfully disagree with each other (for example, understanding that we don’t have to be best friends or always agree with each other but we do have to respect each other)
- That we all need to choose to respect each other both face to face and online
The week’s activities included a Lower School assembly about perseverance, a talk on body image from Laura Dodsworth, author of Bare Reality and Manhood, and a workshop and anti-bullying training with Julie Wilkinson of Brave the Rage.
All wore a splash of pink and odd socks on Wednesday to raise awareness of diversity, being unique, and accepting each other for who we are. The Catering team once again triumphed with edible pink treats.
Debates about the dangers of anonymous apps took place in PSD lessons. These highlighted the need to be digitally resilient on our social media platforms, and when facing criticism – should we choose to comment.
Helen Keevil said: “I have been delighted to observe how the tutor groups have discussed the importance of positive behaviour, learning when to step in and be an upstander, and having the confidence to help a vulnerable friend in need.”
