BBCET school marks Anti-Bullying Week with Kindness Initiative

Support and kindness were the watchwords when students at a BBCET school in Bedlington came together to mark both Anti-Bullying Week and World Kindness Day.

Sixth formers at St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy led the drive to promote emotional wellbeing at the school, organising a lunchtime polling station where students of all year groups were invited to respond anonymously to the statement: ‘I know who I can talk to in school about my worries or concerns.’

“With options ranging from ‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’, the activity encouraged reflection on the importance of trusted relationships within the school community,” explained Maxine Salmon, Deputy Headteacher at St Benet Biscop.

“We are happy to add that the majority of votes were for ‘strongly agree’ or ‘agree’.”

Anti-Bullying Week is organised annually by the Anti-Bullying Alliance across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with 80 per cent of schools, and more than 7.5 million children and young people, taking part last year.

“A highlight of the week was a summary of a thoughtful essay written by our Year 13 student, Omeose Egibiremolen, exploring the psychological impact of bullying on adolescents,” continued Mrs Salmon.

“Her piece examined the long-term effects on mental health, including anxiety, isolation, and self-esteem, and served as a poignant reminder of the importance of kindness and support.”

St Benet Biscop’s anti-bullying campaign was followed by the school’s celebration of World Kindness Day – an international initiative which was introduced by the World Kindness Movement in 1998, and is now observed in countries across the globe.

“Within this same week, to build student resilience – our focus value for the half term – and to mark World Kindness Day, students were also given the opportunity to write postcards to members of staff as a random act of kindness,” said Mrs Salmon.

“Students wrote an outstanding 240 postcards during their lunch break. This simple but powerful gesture allowed students to express appreciation and gratitude, strengthening connections, and spreading positivity across the school.

“Together, these initiatives showcased the power of youth leadership in creating a safe, inclusive, and caring school environment.”

Members of staff were also given the opportunity to show their appreciation, nominating student ‘Stars of the Week’ to receive sweet treats from the Senior Leadership Team.

“Such events are crucial in actively engaging students in their wider learning, linked with raising awareness in supporting their personal development,” added Mrs Salmon.

“Equally crucial is capturing student voice to inform our continually improving practice, and engage students in taking an active part in shaping the culture of our school, and ensuring students are able to fulfil our school mission of ‘seeking wholeness through faith, quest, and learning, to be who God intends them to be’.”