Approaches to Reduce Bullying

Peer Support

What is Peer Support?

'An initiative where trained pupils (of any age) work as active listeners and facilitators, providing a safe opportunity for another young person to share concerns, to be taken seriously, and to explore their own solutions. This is a neutral but helpful role which is carefully limited to maximise its potential for success. Supporters are supervised.'
NSPCC

The Benefits of A Peer Support Scheme

Peer Support provides opportunities for children and young people too:

• to be listened to
• to deal with everyday stresses
• to form friendships
• to combat bullying and racial harassment
• to talk to other young people about issues of concern

There are many types of Peer Support

Do parents really believe that they have lost their children to their friends? When does sociability impact on the family? Parentlineplus have produced a report which researches these issues.

To see what schools in the County are doing . . .

befriending

This can be effective when used with a specific focus in mind e.g. induction into a new school/ bullying issues. This scheme aims to give gives advice but does not ensure advice is taken.

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