University News Last updated 03 November 2017
Academics, researchers and teachers are to gather at Birmingham City University this month to explore new tactics and share evidence of what works to tackle bullying in schools.
The day-long ‘Contemporary Research and Practice in Anti-bullying’ event takes place during Anti-Bullying Week on Wednesday 15 November and features a series of high-profile speakers, including world-leading expert on school bullying Professor Peter Smith and Baroness Sal Brinton, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Bullying and Liberal Democrat Party President.
Debates and workshops will focus on different types of anti-bullying interventions, sexting, pupil-led anti-bullying strategies, bullying cultures in schools and the impact that bullying can have on young people, as well as ways of ensuring that schools are inclusive of LGBT communities.
“The day will provide a great opportunity to share good practice and ensure practitioners feel confident and equipped with effective strategies to deal successfully with bullying,” said researcher Dr Elizabeth Nassem, from Birmingham City University’s Centre for the Study of Practice and Culture in Education.
Former England rugby player Ben Cohen MBE and founder of the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation has shown his support for the University event.
“The anti-bullying conference at Birmingham City University brings communities of researchers and practitioners together to learn about the most effective ways to help eradicate bullying and homophobia” said Ben, who campaigns against bullying and homophobia through the work of his StandUp Foundation.
Other speakers at the event include PC Simon Bolwell from West Midlands Police, Anna Gregory from Birmingham-based charity Peacemakers and Andrew Moffat MBE.
Andrew has worked on challenging homophobia in primary schools and was recently named on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to equality and diversity in education.
The event takes place during Anti-Bullying Week which runs from 13 – 17 November, with the theme of ‘All Different, All Equal’. The conference is in partnership with the Bullying Reduction Action Group and is supported by Birmingham City Council.
Colin Diamond, Corporate Director of Children and Young People at Birmingham City Council, said: “I am delighted that Birmingham City University is hosting this important conference in Anti-Bullying Week. We are proud of the excellent work that goes on in the city to help to prevent bullying in all its forms.”