Bullying in the Spotlight: A new Whole School Approach is launched based on the Olweus Program.

The Scottish based Rowantree Group's PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) Teaching resources go international with the launch of their Anti-Bullying resource based on the Olweus Program. The Olweus Program was developed by Dan Olweus, Ph.D., who has been named "the world's leading authority" on bullying problems by The Times newspaper of London.

The Rowantree Group has worked with schools over a number of years in supporting Drug Education and Anti-Bullying developments within the contexts of ethos and promoting positive behaviour.

The Rowantree Groups ground breaking series of Resources developed by teachers for teachers, the "What's the Score?" packs began going into schools in 1999 with the introduction of "What's the Score on Drugs?".

Officially launched by the then Minister for Education, Sam Galbraith, this highly publicised resource has gone onto become the most successful Drug Education resource currently available to teachers and Education Profesionals, such is the demand and importance of these subjects in today’s society.

More recently this has been followed with the launch of "What's the Score on Bullying?". It is widely recognised that whilst it is impossible to completely eradicate bullying in schools a number of steps can nevertheless be taken to reduce the problem and support teachers, pupils and parents who might be experiencing difficulties.

Chief Executive John O'Meara said "It is important that bullying in schools is given regular and consistent attention through a range of school activities, including through the curriculum. Our new anti-bullying resource has recently been made available and encompasses best practice world-wide and also takes account of the UK context".

"Many of our young people are being denied the opportunity to reach their full potential. Effects include absenteeism, a fall in academic performance, poor self esteem, health problems, isolation, depression and suicide, but there are skills they can learn to protect themselves and other people."

"What's the Score on Bullying?" is based on the Olweus methodology. The Dan Olweus program has been implemented in Norway, the United States, England, and Germany, with up to 30-70% reductions in student reports of being bullied and bullying others.

“What’s the Score on Bullying?” is now a recommended resource for schools in a large number of Scottish Councils and English/Welsh Education Authorities as well as being piloted around the world for implementation in 2004.

The pack offers a range of strategies and interesting user friendly and relevant classroom activities presented in a coherent and progressive format. It is available in an early years/primary format and also in a secondary version.

For more information on any of the Rowantree Group Education resources or to enquire about purchasing a resource contact 0870 054 0007 or email marketingteam@rowantreegroup.com