BULLYING Action on Conflict Recent government research has shown that every school in the country has been found to harbour some form of bullying. The most conservative estimate of how many children are involved puts the figure at 10%, that is 3/4 million children. It is not an insignificant problem. The good news is that an increasing number of schools are taking action and learning ways to combat it.
		Discrimination and prejudice can often be the underlying cause of the problem. The anxiety surrounding different ethnic communities can cause fear and prejudice can result in direct and indirect discrimination. This can have incredibly negative effects on individual, groups and the whole organisation.

This workshop aims to stimulate discussion and raise awareness of the increasing problem of bullying from the perspective of the bully and victim. Looking at real-life situations we focus on rehearsing ways to prevent and confront the problem of aggressive behaviour. This programme can be used either to complement existing policies or to help stimulate the development of a policy on bullying behaviour within institutions.

The workshop addresses the following:

• What is bullying behaviour?
• The cycle of bullying.
• The effects of peer pressure.
• Being assertive.
• Asking for help.

This programme can also be used to provide professionals with specialised skills in providing exciting and interesting drug education sessions for their own client groups.

This programme relates to National Curriculum Health Education Guidelines at Key-stages 3 & 4.

Psychological Aspects of Health Education

* Know how labelling and stereotyping can have a negative effect on mental health [Key-stage 3].

* Appreciate ways in which they can control aspects of their own behaviour and resist peer pressure [Key-stage 4].

© Bigfish Theatre Company 1997-2001

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