Millie Mackintosh is urging young girls to speak up about bullying
Millie is working with the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), which is hosted by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB).
Research from ABA found that almost nine out of 10 girls say they have been bullied or seen someone be bullied for being talented or intelligent.
The research has been released to mark the start of Anti-Bullying Week, which begins today. This year the campaign highlights how bullying holds children back from achieving their full potential and shows that significantly more girls are blighted by the effects of bullying.
Government should take note. These girls are our future and at a time when we need more young people to go on to study maths and science, those with skill and ability are opting out because...
Almost one in three 11-16 year old girls have quit an activity they enjoy because of bullying compared to one in five boys, and more than half have played down a talent for fear of being bullied – compared to just two fifths of boys.
Millie said: “Bullying is serious and can really affect your self-esteem. Girls need to know that they can speak up about bullying and someone will listen to them. That’s why campaigns like Anti-Bullying Week and charities like the Anti-Bullying Alliance are so important. They shouldn’t have to deal with it alone.”
Despite the popularity of programmes such as X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, young women are downplaying their talents in singing, drama and dance.
They are also twice as likely to play down their maths ability than boys and are more likely to deliberately underachieve in science to evade bullying.
Lauren Seager-Smith, National Co-ordinator of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, says the results of the survey are very worrying: “Despite reports of girls excelling academically, these statistics imply that they would do even better if it wasn’t for bullying.”
“Government should take note. These girls are our future and at a time when we need more young people to go on to study maths and science, those with skill and ability are opting out because of bullying.
“Let’s take a stand together this Anti-Bullying Week and make our schools, colleges and communities safe places which are free from bullying and intimidation and where all young people can achieve their best. We really are better without bullying.”
ABA is hosted by the leading children’s charity NCB. It brings together organisations and individuals who are committed to tackling bullying. This year’s Anti-Bullying Week theme is ‘We’re Better Without Bullying’ and ABA is asking for your help to raise awareness and to join ABA in tackling bullying in schools and communities.
Become a member of ABA today at www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk, make a donation at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AntiBullyingAlliance or show your support on Facebook, www.facebook.com/antibullying alliance or Twitter, @abaonline
How are you supporting Anti-Bulling Week? Tell us in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
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