Learning how to tackle bullying

SCHOOL pupils from across Oldham will gather for a conference aiming to stamp out bullying.

Work to tackle the causes of bullying in Oldham’s schools will be the focus of the event on Wednesday at the Centre for Professional Development.

It will see 120 youngsters from secondary schools come together for a range of thought-provoking and challenging sessions.

The aim is for them to take lessons learned back to their schools.

Councillor Kay Knox, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “Bullying is extremely unpleasant and can have a serious effect on the young person who is being subjected to such cruel behaviour.

“This conference will make pupils aware of the the ways in which people can be bullied and what can be done about it.

“Bullying comes in different forms and all schools in Oldham are working hard to deal with it. However, there can be nothing better than pupils themselves coming away from this day and taking it upon themselves to act.

“They can make it clear that all forms of bullying are totally unacceptable.”

Sessions will look at a wide range of subjects including racially-motivated bullying, cyber bullying, gender-based bullying and exploitation.

There will also be plays looking at homophobic bullying and the distress caused when peer pressure is applied to force children to conform.