Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has led a debate in Parliament to recognise Anti-Bullying Week, calling on all parties to do more to support school children experiencing bullying behaviour.
Anti-Bullying Week is an annual event, and was held last week, but parliamentary business meant that Mr Newlands’ debate took place today.
A 2016 survey by Bullying UK found that 65% of parents surveyed said their children had been bullied more than eight times during their school years, with the Anti-Bullying Alliance saying last week 40% of children would hide aspects of themselves for the fear of being bullied.
During Mr Newlands’ speech in parliament, he spoke about the rise of cyber-bullying and the long-term health impacts on someone who experiences bullying.
He also highlighted the work of Renfrewshire-based ‘I Am Me Scotland’ who work to end the bullying the disabled people experience in school and has called on all political parties to increase their efforts to end the bullying that affects too many young people.
Mr Newlands, said: “Too many young people live in fear of going through the school gates every morning or are reluctant to log onto the computer due to the bullying behaviour of others.
“This debate was extremely useful to highlight the impact that bullying has on the lives of young people up and down the country. It’s clear that we have to do more to help those who are being bullied, including ensuring that all schools provide the same level of support to those experiencing bullying. In addition, all schools must have the same robust anti-bullying policies which help prevent bullying from occurring in the first place.
“Social media platforms also have a role to play in ending the increasing problem of cyberbullying. These companies have a responsibility in eliminating the bullying which extends beyond the school day.
“No young person should feel isolated. We all have a duty to listen to young people and to work with them to create a society free from bullying behaviour.”
Main Photo: Gavin Newlands MP with Carol Burt and Debbie Campbell from I Am Me Scotland, local Renfrewshire organisation which campaigns to end the bullying of disabled people.