At Eastwood High School, there was an increase in prejudice-based bullying. Senior leaders noticed an increase in incidents relating to protected characteristics. Young people reported that they did not always feel valued at school. They felt targeted because of who they are, or are perceived to be.  

What the school did

Young people have had opportunities to take on a range of leadership roles. This helps them to develop a strong anti-bullying culture throughout the school. Sixty-eight anti-bullying ambassadors have taken on an important leadership role. This includes representation from all year groups.

They received training from staff and external providers. For example, the Diana Award Anti-Bullying Ambassadors programme. The ambassadors produced a 'pupil-friendly' anti-bullying policy. It clarifies the nature of bullying and outlines how young people can access support.

The anti-bullying ambassadors created and taught personal and social education (PSE) lessons. They also shared anti-bullying messages in assemblies. This has made pupils more aware of the different types of bullying. It also shows the effects on those who experience it.

Ambassadors create effective visual displays around the school. These remind fellow students of the different ways to report bullying. They have also produced online safety videos for parents and young people. The videos help to understand and prevent bullying.

The ambassadors organise whole-school activities such as anti-bullying week. They also led a whole-school focus on 'Calling out Hate Online'. This has been an effective campaign to challenge homophobic language. The ambassadors are visible and identifiable during breaks. They provide an additional source of support for their peers. 

All S6 students and S5 students have been trained as violence prevention mentors. This training supports the creation of a bystander culture within the school. This increases pupils' awareness of bullying. It also helps more young people to better support their peers.

These young people work with a range of staff and partners. Partners include Police Scotland and Community Learning and Development staff. They work with them to:

• plan assemblies and awareness campaigns to prevent bullying
• reinforce the school's zero tolerance approach
• develop a culture of mutual respect
• promote a safe and welcoming environment where young people feel valued

Other groups of young people are leading anti-bullying initiatives to promote diversity. These include the well-established LGBTI group. This group promotes LGBTI awareness throughout the school.

Another group of young people are the Rights Respecting Schools Group. They also promote diversity across the school.

Both groups create and give presentations to raise awareness and organise events. For example

• Pronoun Day
• Purple Friday
• Black History Month
• LGBT History Month

Impact and change for children and young people

Young people involved report that their peers feel more comfortable engaging with them. This is because they are closer to their age and more aware of their experiences. They also feel that this peer-led response has had a greater impact. It has helped to create a culture where bullying behaviour is unacceptable.

Peer supporters describe a range of useful life skills. They develop these skills through their role. For example, they develop a better ability to read non-verbal cues. They can better recognise when someone might need support. These young people report feeling more confident. They also report feeling able to deal with a wider range of situations.

The young people leading these initiatives feel that they are making a difference. They celebrate diversity and encourage their peers to challenge discrimination. They also feel more confident to challenge unacceptable language when they hear it. This increases the number of young people who feel included. They feel part of the school community.