SCHOOLS across Poole will be getting involved in an anti-bullying campaign next week.

This year’s theme of ‘All different, all equal’ will aim to get children, young people, parents, carers and teachers to take action against bullying to create a safe environment where children can thrive.

Anti-Bullying Week 2017, which is organised by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, involves a host of awareness-raising activities, competitions, workshops and assemblies. Specially-trained student anti-bullying ambassadors will lead on this in several schools.

Students at Victoria Education Centre will partake in lessons in which they will explore the definition of bullying, helping everyone to understand that bullying comes in many forms.

Odd socks, which is part of the Anti-Bullying Alliance Campaign, will be making an appearance at Hillbourne Primary School, Bearwood School and Ocean Academy, where students will be wearing the mismatched socks to help to talk about and celebrate difference and diversity.

Anti-bullying ambassadors at Parkstone Grammar School will be hosting a poster competition, house quiz, and anti-bullying lunchtime showcase, featuring a balloon launch, cake sale and the creation of a piece of cross-year group artwork, while Broadstone Middle School will be creating a whole school pledge board, featuring pledges from every member of the school community stating why they are unique.

Founder of the 401 Challenge and motivational speaker Ben Smith, who has overcome severe bullying within his life, spoke at Baden Powell and St Peter’s School, inspiring students who will take part in anti-bullying workshops throughout the week.

Pupils of Poole Grammar School will be celebrating difference and equality with an E-Safety day, while Turlin Moor Community School have enjoyed NSPCC-led assemblies and workshops using the Speak Out Stay Safe programme.

Poole High School have been running an anti-bullying campaign throughout the year. The school is now home to 50 ‘Respect Reps’, one from each tutor group, who work to promote respect under the anti-bullying banner.

St Edwards will be starting with the #Lifeunfiltered film, focusing on mental health and getting help.

Cllr Mike White, cabinet portfolio holder for children, young people and capital projects, said: “Anti-Bullying Week helps to highlight the impact of bullying on children and young people in schools, communities and online. We take bullying extremely seriously, and hope that the work being done in our schools and with our partner organisations will bring children and young people, teachers, parents and carers together with the aim to help stop bullying.”