Information on Loughborough

CyberMentors aim to beat bullying

Posted on 16/11/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council

16 November 2009

CyberMentors aim to beat bullying

*** photo opportunity ***

Young people from Harborough are taking innovative steps to combat bullying by becoming 'CyberMentors'.

CyberMentors is a Government pilot designed to help young people provide online support to their peers who have experienced bullying.

Students from Kibworth High School and Welland Park Community College are learning what the role entails and being trained up at a course taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday (17th and 18th).

Being a CyberMentor means volunteering time to provide on-line support and advice to fellow youngsters. They help ensure young people stay safe online, can report all forms of bullying in a safe environment and get the support and assistance they need.

The event, organised by the County Council, is being held during Anti- Bullying Week which starts today (Monday).

Sue Bosley, Anti Bullying Strategy Manager at Leicestershire County Council, said: “We felt it was important that young people in the county get involved in this exciting initiative.

"In the same way that it is easier to send a nasty email than say it to someone’s face, it is easier to ask for help by typing because there is less intimacy or immediacy.

"CyberMentors make it easier for a young person to tell someone they are being bullied and ask for support, without feeling judged or under any pressure."

Ivan Ould, County Council Cabinet Member for the Children and Young People's Service, said: “CyberMentors is a great scheme that enables young people to support others who have experienced bullying and are in need of help and advice."

Anti-bullying week runs from Monday, 16th to Friday, 20th November.

For information and advice about bullying, visit Leicestershire’s anti-bullying website: www.beyondbullying.com .

For more information about CyberMentors visit: www.cybermentors.org.uk .

Photo Opportunity:

To set up a photo or interview, please contact the County Council's Press Office on 0116 305 6274 or Kibworth High School on 0116 279 2238.