Pupils at Raigmore Primary School in Inverness are leading the way in tackling bullying.
They have been taking part in specially designed workshops as part of this year’s anti-bullying campaign.
The Raigmore youngsters have been exploring new resources being developed to aid youngsters create more positive and respectful relationships.
The campaign is being led by Scotland’s anti-bullying service respectme and is running throughout the remainder of the school calendar.
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During the #ChooseRespect campaign, pupils have already been exploring self-reflection with further workshops set to take place in order to celebrate differences and explore the benefits of positive relationships.
Head teacher Autumn Macaulay said: “One of our school agreements is ‘Respect’ and we are continually promoting this throughout Raigmore Primary.
“These workshops help us to reinforce the importance of building positive relationships through mutual respect and understanding of one another”.
The campaign was launched on the back of feedback received from the 2017 anti-bullying week as adults and young people from across Scotland shared what they believed respect means on a day to day basis.
This helped to shape the direction of this year’s campaign, with the main points covering inclusion, equality, kindness, treating others how you wish to be treated and ultimately being free from bullying completely.
Katie Ferguson, service director of respectme, said: “Central to this year’s campaign is equipping teachers, youth group leaders and sports coaches with teaching materials and enabling young people to build on their understanding of respect, ultimately encouraging them to foster positive relationships with those around them.
“It’s about helping to spark the conversations that could help change the direction of young people’s lives by proactively helping them to understand the potential impact of the decisions they make.
“The campaign would not be successful without the support of schools such as Raigmore Primary – and it’s fascinating to see how the materials are being used in different settings and different schools.
“Currently, over 700 schools, youth groups and clubs from across Scotland have pledged to support the campaign. Now, we’re encouraging even more to sign our online pledge and help get the whole of Scotland to choose respect.”
Anybody wishing to seek further information, access resources or pledge support to the scheme is asked to visit www.chooserespect.scot
