Teenagers used their experiences to persuade others to speak out against online bullying.
Eleven Wiltshire Young Commissioners, who help advise Wiltshire Council on issues affecting young people, have produced a film and sent out posters to help young people recognise when people are being bullied and what they can do about it.
Chloe Lintern, 15, of Colerne, is among the team.
The Corsham School pupil said: “We want people to recognise when banter turns to bullying. When you send a message you cannot see the effect it has on people. People don’t realise the impact of what they have said.
“I notice bullying at school and via social media. Normally I don’t know the person so I feel I cannot say anything or do something but that is the message we are getting across. No matter how close to the person you are you can always offer them support and advice.”
Wiltshire Council has co-ordinated the campaign, which was launched during national anti-bullying week, this week with a special viewing of the film at County Hall in Trowbridge on Monday.
Chloe added: “Making the film was a learning curve and it has given me more confidence. I think young people will be more likely to listen to us because it is made by young people who speak the same language.”
The teenagers are pushing the campaign into their schools by showing the film in assemblies.
Chloe said: “I hope it will educate the teachers to see that things that happen outside of school can affect people inside school.”
- See the teens’ film on You Tube by searching for #breakthecycle
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