19 November 2010

On Wednesday 17 November, the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) hosted an Anti-Bullying Week 2010 Youth Summit at Westminster. The event was organised in partnership with Young ABA and over 30 young representatives from eight of ABA’s core member organisations.

Led by Young ABA, the young people spent the morning discussing their experiences and ideas on tackling bullying. During the afternoon event, chaired by ABA President Esther Rantzen, four groups of young people presented their priorities for action to a distinguished panel of guests including Maggie Atkinson, The Children’s Commissioner, Barbara Hearn, Deputy Chief Executive, NCB and Graham Robb, a member of the Youth Justice Board. Minister Tim Loughton, MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families gave the keynote address.

David De Bie*, 19, Young ABA Chair, said: “The youth summit was an amazing example of the skills and passion that young people can bring to tackle bullying, one of the most difficult issues young people can face, with almost a third reporting bullying in school **. The young people created calls to action that will undoubtedly influence future anti-bullying policy. Everyone involved had a fantastic day.”

Ross Hendry, ABA Chair, said: ‘As we look at news ways of delivering anti-bullying messages and interventions, it is more important than ever that we work together with children and young people to ensure their experiences and views are at the heart of our future plans, ABA’s youth summit was dedicated to realising that aspiration.”

Following the event ABA will produce a report which will be sent to government departments and ABA member organisations to support the development of future anti-bullying strategy and practice.