New help to beat bullies (From Stroud News and Journal)

New help to beat bullies

SCHOOLS have been given a new tool in the fight against bullying thanks to Marling boys and county crime fighters.

Children across the whole of Gloucestershire will soon be able to access anti-bullying and racism advice on their school computers thanks to the new CD developed at the Stroud school by county police, Crimebeat and the grammar school students.

Community safety officer Pc Helen Seymour has been working with pupils at Stroud's Marling School and Crimebeat, the National charity aimed at getting youngsters involved in crime reduction activities, to produce 50 copies of the new disc for circulation amongst secondary schools around the county.

Each disc contains important information and offers youngsters a range of useful help line numbers and web addresses, along with quizzes, a cartoon storybook, screensavers and a range of other interactive features.

Marling pupils were responsible for devising the content of the new software, while Crimebeat awarded the school £1,000 to cover the costs of production. Pc Seymour, who co-ordinated the initiative, said the discs would prove an invaluable asset in combating bullying and racism in Gloucestershire's schools.

"Everyone who has been involved in the project is very pleased now the disc had finally been finished," she said.

"We have received some very positive feedback from people who have seen it, and we're hoping the schools we send it too will be just as enthusiastic.

"Who knows? If it becomes a big success, we may even be able to send copies out to schools in other counties."

The new discs were officially launched at Marling School last Friday. Stroud's chief inspector Mark Organ attended the launch with Simon Preston, the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire representing Crimebeat.