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Spotlight On: Anti-Bullying
As part of #BeeWell’s Spotlight On series, the next topic we’re turning our attention to is anti-bullying.
Throughout November and December, we will be sharing some of the latest findings on bullying, signposting resources, hosting practitioner support sessions, and shining a spotlight on a youth-led creative response to #BeeWell data.
#BeeWell research shows that young people who are bullied are more likely to experience mental health difficulties (Thornton, Panayiotou & Humphrey, 2024). Bullying can also lead to other negative outcomes, impacting a young person’s long-term general health and academic performance (Arseneault, 2018; Wolke & Lereya, 2015). Tackling bullying can be an impactful way to lift youth wellbeing (Thornton, Panayiotou & Humphrey, 2024).
On the 12th of November during anti-bullying week, we are hosting an online learning event, sharing the latest evidence and best practice with schools. Facilitated by #BeeWell team-members from CORC at Anna Freud, with breakouts into regional groups, attendees can also meet with other local schools and partners to share insights on supporting young people and tackling bullying. If you are an education professional or allied worker in Greater Manchester or Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth or Southampton, you can sign up for the event here.
At the event, Professor Louise Arseneault from King’s College London will present their research on the long-term impact of bullying on mental health and wellbeing. Next, a presentation from Jess Alborough, Programme Manager at the Anti-Bullying Alliance, will share data and case studies on anti-bullying practice to support effective interventions. Finally, Professor Neil Humphrey, #BeeWell’s academic lead, will discuss the latest findings and insights from research using the #BeeWell survey data.
On Wednesday 27th November, Plan International UK, in partnership with #BeeWell, will host an online community of practice event for Greater Manchester professionals working with young people. The session is free to attend and will explore the theme of peer support and co-producing support offers when working with young people. Sign up for the community of practice session here.
At the end of the month, young people from the innovative Light Up Shirley Ensemble drama group in Southampton will host a ‘scratch night,’ an introductory performance of a play they have written, inspired by their local #BeeWell data. The play explores hard-hitting themes around the topic of bullying, including peer support, isolation and suicide, giving young people a platform to interpret the data, express their experiences and raise awareness of meaningful issues.
Bullying can be linked with school exclusion and absenteeism (National Children’s Bureau, 2023). For #BeeWell partners supporting children under the age of 16 and improving outcomes for young people at risk of school exclusion: we have teamed up with Pro Bono Economics (PBE) to offer free expert-led training on how you can best evidence and communicate the economic and wellbeing impacts of your work. Learn about the steps to reach an economic evaluation that might allow your organisation to say, “for every £1 spent, we generate £X of benefits to society”. Training dates are Tuesday 3rd and Thursday 5th December. Apply here to participate or get in touch with PBE at projects@probonoeconomics.com
Over November and December, look out for content on our social media that summarises #BeeWell research findings on bullying, showcases the important work that partners are doing in this area, and hears from young people about creating positive environments that tackle bullying. This Spotlight On series encourages action and celebrates work being done to create safe and inclusive environments for young people, offer positive relationships, and to support young people who are affected by bullying.
Follow #BeeWell’s #SpotlightOn Anti-Bullying series on LinkedIn, Twitter/X and Instagram to learn more!
