Youngsters rise against bullies

Anti-bullying

Young people in North Tyneside are making a noise about bullying, as they take part in a nationwide initiative.

As part of this year’s Takeover Challenge, a group of students from around the borough joined council staff to look at different issues children may face with bullying.

They held an in depth discussion about what they felt were the best ways of dealing with bullies, and even thought about possible ideas for DVDs and posters to help young people deal with bullies.

North Tyneside’s Young Mayor, Abbie Armstrong, also took part in the session. She said: “The session was great. I’m glad that the council are aware of the issues around bullying and are looking to help improve the situation.

“Bullying is a problem for many young people, and it’s important that we look at ways of overcoming and preventing it.”

Other youngsters were also kept busy by the local authority, as part of the Takeover Challenge, from developing new school lunch menus, getting their feet wet poolside at leisure centres, organising activities with the events team and even spending the day with some council leaders.

And excitingly for 16-year-old Rebecca Moore, North Tyneside’s Member of Youth Parliament, she’s travelling down to London to spend the day at the Home Office and Cabinet Office. As part of this year’s Takeover Day, the British Youth Council has arranged for some of the Youth Parliament to visit and attend internal and cross-Government meetings.