Forres Academy focused on spreading anti-bullying message with Forres Against Bullying (FAB) campaign
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STUDENTS at a local school focussed on a difficult subject during a week of activities and learning.
Fifth year pupil Madison (17) appreciates the efforts at Forres Academy to raise awareness of bullying and attempted to find out how prevalent the issue is at the secondary school.
She said: “The Forres Against Bullying (FAB) campaign empowers students to feel comfortable talking about bullying. It also helps education on bullying, its impacts and the variety of support available to anyone suffering from it.
“FAB raises awareness of the school’s personal bullying policy, along with Moray Council’s recently updated guidance which can both be found on the school’s Google website.”
She added: “It is believed among pupils to be a big issue here.”
FAB was unveiled over a week during a series of events, assemblies and activities in an attempt to foster a more positive environment around the school.
The S6 captains, supported by guidance staff, hosted four main events. Two were ‘chill and spill’ events where pupils could go to a classroom and discuss any issues with the captains who listened and offered guidance.
Another was a blended session in the library. Pupils created motivational bunting with positive messages to be displayed around the school while asking guidance teachers questions about bullying.
The final and biggest event involved Mr Wilson and a team of budding musicians who held a concert of songs in the assembly hall with an anti-bullying message. This brought all of the year groups together to sing along and get their faces painted.
Madison said: “The main aims of FAB are: to let everyone know they aren’t alone and are in fact cared about by many people; to promote and help raise positive relationships in the school; and to educate the wider community on bullying, its effects and, ways everyone can help prevent and stop it.”
She added: “If you or someone you know experiences bullying, talk to a trusted member of staff at school, a parent or guardian, an older pupil, or even a friend.”
