NSPCC- Kicking bullying into Touch

Since September 2008 Premier Rugby & Bath Rugby have joined up with NSPCC to promote a new anti-bullying programme which will help over quarter of a million children to tackle bullying throughout all of England.

Over 2000 girls and boys aged 6-11 have been "Kicking Bullying into touch" in BaNES. The programme uses tag rugby to teach school children about bullying, it's different forms and coping strategies. The programme also promotes NSPCC's Childline services through providing fun filled 'z'cards to each child.

The programme uses situations in a sporting context to raise similar feelings when in a bullying situation. Using groups versus individuals in games such as "Tag bull dogs" and asking how the children feel in those gaming situations.

Caryl Thomas who is running the programme said " It's a great project for the children. It's an interesting way to teach them about bullying, making them aware of the emotions that can arise within the environment, but handled well in a sporting context."