Dundee communities come together to tackle bullying in schools

Schools, politicians and families have come together in Dundee to help tackle bullying.

It comes after a health and wellbeing survey by Dundee City Council found more than 80% of young people had experienced bullying in school, with 35% saying they had been bullied online.

Deputy Convenor of Children’s and Families Services, Councillor Roisin Smith said incidents are likely under-reported.

She told STV News: “The results of the health and wellbeing survey differs from the results we have seen reported from within our schools, which is one of the reasons why we have pulled this summit together.

“We know there are probably many more instances of bullying happening that we are either not reporting or not aware of.

“It’s really important we tackle that, and we see our numbers of reported instances going up, which will also help us to understand what other interventions we need to put in place to deal with the acts that occur.”

Results prompted schools' anti-bullying strategy — Results prompted schools’ anti-bullying strategy

An event held this week put the opinions of children and young people at the heart of the strategy to tackle the issue, helping schools tailor their anti-bullying policies.

Lorraine Glass from the anti-bullying charity Respect Me said it’s important children and young people know what role they can play in helping themselves and their peers.

She said: “Telling an adult is key for children and young people and sharing information with their peers and finding ways to cope.

“Things like getting out, being distracted enjoying sports and having other friend groups and move away from the people who are causing you hurt and harm where ever you can.”