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Education Minister Huw Lewis will launch this year’s Welsh Government anti-bullying film competition, during a visit to Ysgol Plasmawr, Cardiff yesterday. 

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The competition is split into two categories – one for primary schools and one for secondary schools. Pupils are invited to produce storyboards or film clips, which show the causes and effects of bullying. This year’s campaign will encourage participants to focus their film on characteristics such as disability, race, religion or sexual orientation.

The winners will receive the support of the Welsh Government, and a professional video production company will help them to develop and film their ideas.

Last year’s competition, won by Year 5 and 6 pupils at Ysgol Maes Owen in Rhyl and Year 9 pupils from Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones of Amlwch, Ynys Mon, features on the Welsh Government’s Education Begins at Home Facebook page which has over 2,800 followers and was recently seen by almost 6,000 Facebook users in 5 days.

Also featured on the Facebook page is new Welsh Government anti-bullying advice for children, young people and parents concerned about bullying.  In addition, Respecting Others is a suite of comprehensive anti-bullying guidance, produced by Welsh Government, to help schools put in place effective strategies to prevent, respond to, monitor and record bullying.

During his visit to Ysgol Plasmawr the Minister will hear from pupils involved in the school’s anti-homophobia campaign, "DIGON", (“enough” in Welsh).

DIGON was set up by teacher Marc Lewis.  The school identified that there was a need to address the issue of casual homophobia in the school and the fact that it was largely happening away from the ears of staff.

Ahead of his visit Huw Lewis said:

“Last year’s anti-bullying films were of an extremely high quality and I was struck by the participants’ enthusiasm and the professional nature of both productions.  

“I encourage all pupils across Wales to take part in this year’s competition and help spread the message that bullying, in all its different forms, is totally unacceptable.  

“I’ve seen and heard great things about DIGON and am really looking forward to meeting the pupils and teachers involved in it.

“If anyone is being bullied, if they have concerns about bullying, or if they simply want to find out more information on bullying, I would urge them to visit our Education Begins at Home Facebook page”.

More information on the anti-bullying competition will be available on the Education Begins at Home Facebook page. The closing date for all entries is 28 November 2014.

Links

Respecting others: anti-bullying guidance