Embedding EDI and Anti-Bullying Policies
In the course of embedding EDI the development of an anti-bullying policy has often been quoted as a key action by youth organisations.
In a November 2006 edition of "Young People Now" PJ White provided a very helpful quick guide to tacking bullying. The key message of the article was that a focus on the bully or the victim is not enough when addressing this issue. Rather it is smarter and more effective to work with those who stand around and let it happen. A startling statistic was quoted highlighting that in nearly 60% of the occasions when peers intervene in a bullying situation, the bullying will stop in less than 10 seconds.
I thoroughly welcome the work of the Anti-Bullying Alliance in this important area and the focus on the bystander is in keeping to our EDI framework's focus on the culture of polite avoidance. But the article left me asking, how do we create the context in which bystanders feel comfortable and confident enough to intervene in a bullying situation? What methodologies contribute to prevention rather than cure and are therefore important precursors within any effective anti-bullying strategy?
I was reminded of work JEDI has been involved in which has introduced young people to the principles of EDI at the outset of complex and diverse youth programmes. Feedback from youth workers has suggested that this short but focused input to explore and agree guiding principles and decide on how these might be monitored had a significant impact on the attitudes of young people to each other and on the development of a culture of mutual respect throughout the life of the project. Some of this work is available in the form of session outlines, evaluation forms developed by peer leaders, story's from young people on what they gained from the work and definitions of EDI which have been developed by young people. However, I suspect there is room for further development and testing of these approaches and would welcome the views and opinions of other youth workers on this area.
Related articles:
Ann McCausland, Organising a local Conference for Young People, WELB Youth Service
Brain O'Callaghan, Have Your Say: Involving Young People in EDI, SELB Youth Service.
Claire King, Something you would say at a job interview?, Opportunity Youth
WRAP: Critical Reflection Youth Conference Action Plan, by the young people involved in the SELB 'Have Your Say' Conference.