18 September 2009

Schools Minister Vernon Coaker has launched a DVD and supporting materials  for schools to help them prevent and tackle bullying of young people with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities.

The DVD ‘Make Them Go Away’ is aimed at children from seven to 14 to raise awareness of their peers with SEN and disabilities, including strong messages about how bullying affects their lives. The DVD builds on the success of the cyberbullying DVD launched two years ago - so far 46,000 copies have been sent out to schools.

Chair of ABA, Christopher Cloke, said: “ABA supports the launch of 'Make Them Go Away' because we know that sadly children and young people with disabilities can be particularly vulnerable to being bullied. We need to encourage all our children and young people not to be bystanders to bullying, but to intervene where possible or to tell someone who can. Our national awareness raising week - Anti-Bullying Week is coming up soon (16-20 November) and is a great opportunity for children, young people and the wider community to stand up against bullying together.”

As well as the online version, schools can order a copy of the DVD and will be alerted to this by an email from DCSF. To order it ring 0845 602 2260 and quote reference 00672-2009DVD – EN.  There is no charge but there is a limit of 10 copies per order.