This week, the BGS Anti-Bullying Ambassadors have been promoting and raising awareness of the Change Starts with Us initiative.
The national initiative brings the nation together to stand against all forms of bullying, whether in school, the workplace or elsewhere. At BGS this week, we have encouraged students to be themselves, accepting one another, and make small changes, which make us all unique. Initiatives have included Odd Socks Day, inspirational messages on sticky notes, and student led assemblies.
Jasmin Chambers (Upper Sixth, Lead Anti-Bullying Ambassador) reflects on the initiatives throughout the week:
“A totally intolerant attitude to bullying is something we strive for in our school community. Anti Bullying Week is an important time of the school year, as it is a great opportunity for us to reinforce this notion. During the week, the anti-bullying ambassadors organised various activities encouraging involvement from girls and staff. Each event has different significance.
“After seeing the success of the Odd Socks campaign in other schools, we were keen that BGS should take part in this celebration of individuality. I admire the campaign because it aims to make people feel comfortable in being unique. Girls came into school wearing crazy and colourful combinations of different socks, most importantly feeling no judgement. Everyone embraced the diversity, and we hope that this respectful attitude, which ties in with years GLG Respect campaign, will resonate throughout the year.
“The Year 9 Anti-Bullying Ambassadors gave a very assured and thought-provoking assembly to their year group, about the difference between bystanders and upstanders. All girls in Year 9 have written pledges to be an upstander when they witness bullying, which will be displayed in school.
“The ‘sticky notes compliments’ was another initiative carried out this week. The Anti-Bullying Ambassadors produced a video, which was watched in Form Time asking students to write a kind personal message on the locker next to theirs. We hope the girls will appreciate the power of kind words better as they have both given and received them.
“Additionally we launched a competition and the girls have been challenged to design a poster, which will be featured on the digital screen. The aim of the posters is to raise awareness of the harm casual thoughtless discriminatory language can cause. We look forward to reviewing the entries.
“Finally, once a fortnight throughout the year, the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors host Chatty Tuesday Club. It is a safe space for girls to come along; there is always lots of chatter and laughter!”
