Students from Virginia College recently showcased their anti-bullying strategy in front of politicians at Croke Park. Sixth year students Marcel, Carly and Esther met the Minister for Education Norma Foley and showed their preventative and proactive approach to anti-bullying. The strategy was designed following an incident of racism which took place at the school.
Speaking to Northern Sound, students Esther Chibondo and Marcel Jelonek said it was important for them to improve diversity and to make the school community of Virginia College a safe space for everyone. Esther said she wanted to play a key role in reducing incidents of racism and to make people aware of the impact that comments can have on victims, particularly from her own experience.
When asked about the project, Marcel outlined what it's all about; "We have introduced a QR code into our school journal for everyone, when you scan the code, it brings you to the school website then automatically links you to an anti-bullying report. This is a really modern way of dealing with bullying. The report is immediately sent to the school and teachers are expected to follow it up within a certain time frame. It's a fantastic initiative which a lot more schools should implement I think. Anyone can fill in the report such as parents or eye witnesses to the bullying."
