Lawthorn Primary pupils have taken the lead in a bid to address bullying after taking part in specially designed workshops during anti-bullying Week.


Led by Scotland’s anti-bullying service respectme, this year’s anti-bullying campaign from November 12-16 focused on choosing respect, with pupils trying out specially developed resources designed to help young people build positive relationships.


The campaign – #ChooseRespect – will cover four phases throughout the school year, Self-Reflection (November), Celebrating Difference (January), Building Empathy (March) and Positive Relationships (May).


Carissa Hyndman, depute head teacher of Lawthorn Primary, said: “At Lawthorn we are fostering positive relationships through respect, inclusion and kindness within our school community. We have been teaching the children about anti-bullying during Health and Wellbeing class lessons and at assemblies using the #ChooseRespect journey. We have pledged to support the campaign as we strive to raise awareness of anti-bullying and teach children the importance of speaking out.”


Anyone involved with influencing the lives of young people is able to ‘pledge’ support to the campaign and download a suite of free learning materials that complement the four phases.


Katie Ferguson, service director of respectme, said: “Central to this year’s campaign is equipping teachers, youth group leaders and sports coaches with teaching materials and will enable young people to build on their understanding of respect, ultimately encouraging them to foster positive relationships with those around them.


“It’s about helping to spark the conversations that could help change the direction of young people’s lives by proactively helping them to understand the potential impact of the decisions that they make.
“The campaign would not be successful without the support of schools such as Lawthorn Primary – and it’s fascinating to see how the materials are being used in different settings and how different schools and youth groups are adapting the workshops.


“Currently, over 650 schools, youth groups and clubs from across Scotland have pledged to support the campaign. Now, we’re encouraging even more to sign our online pledge and help get the whole of Scotland to choose respect.”


To find out more and to ‘pledge’ support to the campaign, visit chooserespect.scot.