Today marks the start of Anti-Bullying Week 2013. This Anti-Bullying Week we call on children and young people to take the lead on creating a future without bullying – using new technologies to promote positive communication rather than being held back by cyber-bullying #ABW2013.

Bullying in any form is wrong and can have devastating effects on people’s lives, this includes cyber-bulling. Tracey is therefore delighted to support the Anti-Bullying Alliance in their campaign to ensure all children enjoy a future that is safe, fun and connected. Tracey said ‘I hope this Anti-Bullying Week we can increase understanding and raise awareness of the important issue of tackling bullying.’

The anti-bulling alliance poll, in partnership with McAfee, showed that half (45%) of parents are concerned about their child being bullied online. Yet over half (53%) of children often go online without any parental supervision, whilst a quarter (22%) of children have witnessed the cyber-bullying of a classmate or friend.

No one sector alone can resolve this issue. We must bring together Government, industry, voluntary sector, public sector, parents, and children and young people to clarify responsibilities and identity creative solutions to combat the issue of cyber-bullying. Over the next few months the Anti-Bullying Alliance will aim to bring people, sectors and organisations together to understand the key issues and develop collaborative initiatives by engaging children and young people with adults to prevent, report and respond to cyber-bullying. We must ensure that the UK maintains the lead in e-safety by having a proactive stance in recognising the risks in online behaviour and identity, by providing tools and education to protect children and young people through a collaborative dialogue between children, parents, industry, NGOs, government, and educators which recognises that the internet is a life skill.

The aims for the week are:

• To ensure all children and young people are equipped to recognise and challenge bullying behaviour wherever it happens – whether face to face or in cyberspace.

•To equip schools, colleges and youth service leaders with resources to encourage youth led anti-bullying initiatives and the positive use of new technologies.

•To educate those who support and work with children to recognise those who may be particularly vulnerable to bullying through new technologies – encouraging an inclusive approach to all e-safety education.

For more information please visit http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/aba-week.aspx

If you or someone you know or care about is being bullied please visit http://www.beatbullying.org/ for information and support.