Introduction
This consultation paper sets out a draft national approach to anti-bullying in Scotland. The purpose of this is to:
- propose an approach to anti-bullying in Scotland for children and young people;
- outline broadly contributions to this approach by sectors and stakeholders nationally; and
- highlight the role of the Scottish Anti-Bullying Steering Group ( SABS).
This paper has been developed by SABS and includes a draft vision, aims and a proposed approach to anti-bullying for Scotland's children and young people. It summarises very broadly what is being done at a national level in Scotland to prevent and tackle bullying. Beyond this a whole range of local- and issue-based activity takes place. We acknowledge that bullying occurs in adult life; this approach focuses on children and young people.
This consultation seeks views so that areas for development and improvement can be identified. In particular, it provides an opportunity to seek the views of other agencies and professionals working with children and young people on a national vision, aims and approach to anti-bullying in Scotland and to consider:
- contributions at all levels to this approach;
- strengths and gaps;
- what more needs to be done in the future at national and local levels;
- how we can all contribute to this;
- the role of the SABS in overseeing and co-ordinating this.
We would welcome your views. When reading this document we invite you to keep the following questions in mind:
1. Your views on the draft vision, aims and approach
2. What do you think are the strengths, gaps and priorities for future development?
3. What more needs to be done:
- at a national central level of co-ordination and support?
- at local level?
- by your organisation?
4. What more can SABS do to support this?
Scottish Anti-Bullying Steering Group ( SABS)
This paper has been developed by the Scottish Anti-Bullying Steering Group ( SABS). SABS includes representatives from the Scottish Government, Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, Association of Directors of Education Scotland, HM Inspectorate of Education, Care Commission, Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland, Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, Learning and Teaching Scotland, Community Learning and Development Managers Scotland, respect me, CHILDREN 1 st, Scottish Institute for Residential Child Care, LGBT Youth Scotland, Scottish Association for Mental Health, Children's Parliament, and Youth Scotland. SABS is chaired by Alison Davies, former Director of Save the Children Scotland.
The current aim of SABS is to steer and promote developments in anti-bullying work with children and young people in order to make sure Scotland's approach to anti-bullying is comprehensive and cohesive.
Vision
Every child and young person in Scotland should grow up free from bullying. Across all sectors, those working with children and young people in Scotland are already aiming to fulfil the Scottish Government and local government commitment to ensuring children and young people become confident individuals and responsible citizens. It is our aspiration that all those who play a role in the lives of children and young people are enabled to prevent and respond effectively to incidents of bullying.
Aims
- to prevent bullying of children and young people;
- to support children, young people and their parents and carers who are affected by bullying;
- to build the capacity, resilience and skills in children and young people, parents and carers, to prevent, and deal with, bullying;
- to support organisations working with children and young people to develop a positive ethos, culture, and effective policies and practices which proactively prevent and deal with all types of bullying;
- to ensure provision of information, training and support to those working with children and young people in Scotland;
- to ensure a co-ordinated and cohesive approach to anti-bullying in Scotland.