The ISPCC is urging Westmeath people to get involved in their day of action against bullying today, Friday March 7, by buying a Blue Shield pin.
The pins are available from volunteers or in participating stores throughout the county during the month of March. The National Day of Action is part of the ISPCC’s campaign to raise funds to continue to work on the issue of bullying.
The Shield campaign aims to support schools, parents, teachers, and students in standing up against bullying, developing responses, and not accepting negative behaviours as normal or tolerable. In 2013, Childline volunteers answered 8,059 calls related to physical, cyber, and verbal bullying, with many calls answered in Westmeath.
Verbal bullying can leave children feeling angry, frightened, and powerless. When a child is unable to share their feelings, it can leave them emotionally exhausted. Verbal abuse can leave scars that are unable to be seen and therefore less likely to be dealt with. This type of bullying can lead to low self-esteem, as well as depression and other problems.
The ISPCC is committed to helping children deal with bullying, one word at a time, one school at a time, one child at a time.
Help the ISPCC stand up against bullying in Westmeath. For further information contact Rita on (085 ) 8042730 or visit www.ispcc.ie
