Celebrities back anti-bully plans

Schools are being urged to get involved

Charlotte Church and Colin Jackson are among celebrities supporting an anti-bullying scheme in Welsh schools.

The Respecting Others Week aims to raise awareness of bullying and the work already being done to tackle it.

Organisers will celebrate efforts to stamp it out, with schools urged to help raise awareness.

Advice and information are on a website prepared for the Welsh Assembly Government and charity alliance the Welsh anti-bullying network.

Education and Lifelong Learning Minister Jane Davidson will launch the week at St Teilo's Church in Wales High School in Penylan, Cardiff.

Pupils at St Teilo's have produced their own video and CD aimed at combating bullying. They also run a peer support scheme.

Respecting Others Week is being organised in partnership with Welsh Anti-bullying Network partners - NSPCC, NCH, Stonewall Cymru, EACH, Beatbullying, Barnardos, Childline, Estyn, Children in Wales, and Save the Children..

Schools have been encouraged to become involved by promoting the issues surrounding bullying in assembly or during lessons.

They can also take part in a competition to design a poster and a classroom charter.

Various efforts are already under way to beat bullying, and the Welsh anti-bullying network holds its first meeting on 17 October.