New scheme to stop South Yorkshire schoolkids being 'bystanders' to violence
They'll be taught safe ways to help out
South Yorkshire secondary schools are going to urge their kids not to be 'bystanders' if they see bullying, violence, harassment or discrimination.
It's part of a new scheme rolling out in our county to cut down on the number of incidents by teaching children about how they can safely help if they see someone being targeted.
The programme is part of a innovative model first introduced in America, which has worked well in Glasgow too.
Graham Jones is from the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit who are behind the plans - he says it's not about kids getting involved themselves:
"The bottom line of it is - children see and hear a lot of things and don't always know what they can do to try and help that situation or that other child. And this is a method of encouraging people, and showing them safe ways in which they can actually help the situation rather than just watch.
"We're not suggesting direct intervention into an incident. We're talking about safe ways in which you can do something so very often that's about going to somebody and telling them what you've seen or heard.
"And one of the things we know about risk generally is that what you see might be quite small but actually if you add that to other information it might describe a bigger picture."
The scheme will involve teachers being given training to teach lessons about scenarios children might find themselves in.
It's available at no cost to schools, from this September when kids come back after the summer holidays.
Graham says it's a good time to do it:
“As young people come out of the lockdown period and face some uncertain futures, there has been no better time to have these discussions and to try to understand their thinking and provide open discussion in making positive choices.
“The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit are taking a public health approach to preventing violence and the Mentors in Violence Prevention is one way of engaging with our young people at a time when it is extremely important to do so.”
Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner said:
“I have been to Glasgow and seen young people acting as mentors to their peers, teaching them how to be more proactive in stopping others being bullied or harassed.
“There is no doubt that young people are more likely to take notice of other young people and so this programme is one important way in which we can train them to be mentors to their fellow students.
“If we are to reduce violence in all its forms in our society, the younger we can help people to understand how damaging bullying and harassment can be, the better.
“At a time when school budgets are stretched I am pleased we can offer this programme at no cost to schools.”
There's more information on the scheme here.