Scotland’s Anti-Bullying challenge to everyone
Scotland’s Anti-Bullying challenge to everyone
Anti-Bullying Week 2025
Bullying is a complex, relational and enduring problem, experienced globally and nationally by 30% of children and young people. The harms caused can be both short and long-term, with disrupting and damaging impacts on young lives.
A groundbreaking series of five new films, produced in partnership by respectme, Scotland’s Anti-Bullying Service and Solo Films, featuring talented young actors from St Andrew’s RC Secondary School, premiered at a special event in Glasgow recently.
The films, central to the 2025 Anti-Bullying Week campaign ‘Bullying – The Power of One’, spotlight the impact that bullying can have on young people and show how the strength of individual and collective power can bring about change.
respectme calls on schools and youth clubs across the country to screen the films as part of Scotland’s Anti-Bullying Week campaign (10-14 November). Teachers and Youth Leaders can access pre-prepared lesson plans and innovative resources to open a national conversation which will educate and challenge outdated mindsets and attitudes. Bullying is never acceptable, nor a forever state, and all adults can play an important role to help young people keep these vital perspectives in mind.
respectme Director, Lorraine Glass, commented: “Bullying can take away children’s feeling of control and power in their own lives, affecting their rights and human dignity. When a sense of control feels out of reach it can lead to lower aspirations, disengagement and poorer mental health and wellbeing.
“We are extremely proud to launch our 2025 campaign ‘Bullying – The Power of One’, with our films featuring the incredibly talented young actors from St Andrew’s RC Secondary School. The message from the film series is a powerful one, as we want to show how bullying can have a destructive impact on young people, creating a ripple effect for them, and the family and friends around them. But bullying will stop – it won’t be forever. It takes the power of everyone to create safe, happy, inclusive, and supportive environments where children and young people can thrive, free from bullying.
“I’d like to personally thank all of S2 and S3 pupils and staff from the school’s drama department who were invested and involved in making this five-part film a reality. Our ambition is for the films to be shown in every school and youth setting to support important conversations about bullying and its damaging impacts, as well as galvanising children and young people to become powerful anti-bullying activists who can lead change and create healthier cultures and attitudes towards bullying.”
John McGhee, Head Teacher, St Andrew’s RC Secondary School, said: “Participating in the anti-bullying film has empowered our students to speak out, support one another, and foster a culture of kindness. It’s been a transformative experience for the whole school, strengthening our values and giving young people a voice that truly matters.”
Paul Fee, Director, Solo Films, said: “The value of these films cannot be underestimated, made all the more so by the fantastic enthusiasm and talent of the young actors who brought a truth to the films through their lived experience.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Jenny Gilruth said: “Bullying is never acceptable and it is essential we continue to build respectful, inclusive and supportive school communities where all young people feel safe, valued and able to reach their full potential.
“These powerful films from respectme for Anti-Bullying Week 2025 show just how deeply bullying can affect children and young people. Peer-led approaches can truly transform school culture. I hope young people across Scotland use these films and resources to speak up, support one another, and make every school a place where kindness and respect thrive.”
RSS