North West Pupils Give Chief Prosecutor Advice About Cyberbullying
23/11/2012
Today (23 November), children and young people in the North West will be meeting the Chief Crown Prosecutor to discuss cyberbullying.
The special youth panel event has been organised as part of Children's Commissioner's Takeover Day 2012, a national event led by the Children's Commissioner for England. The Takeover Day gives children and young people the chance to shadow jobs, get involved in decision-making and offer their opinions on key issues.
At the meeting with Nazir Afzal, the Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North West, sixteen pupils from schools in the region will have an opportunity to put questions to him about prosecuting crimes committed online and via mobile phones and to share their views with him about this growing phenomenon. They will be able to discuss when cyberbullying becomes a crime as well as how the CPS makes decisions about prosecutions and works with the police to bring those who commit crimes to court.
The event also coincides with Anti-Bullying Week which this year focuses on how bullying undermines young people's achievement, whether it be at school, in sport or in other extra-curricular activities that children should be free to enjoy.
Nazir Afzal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for the North West said:
"The Takeover Day is an ideal opportunity for us to involve young people in what we do and to give them an insight into the work of the CPS and our decision-making.
"Children and young people have ideas, views and a fresh perspective on things, particularly when it comes to issues that directly affect them, and it's important that we listen to what they have to say. During anti-bullying week I particularly want to hear their views and experiences about cyberbullying and crimes committed online or through mobile phones.
"No matter where and how it happens bullying is harmful and damaging. When it happens online or through mobile phone texts it can be even more devastating and isolating, and those who bully and harass people in this way risk being prosecuted. I would always urge any young person who is being targeted in this way not to suffer in silence, but to tell a trusted adult straight away. "
Maggie Atkinson, Children's Commissioner for England said: "I am very excited about 2012's Children's Commissioner's Takeover Day and I look forward to hearing about what people are doing. I especially want those children who do not normally have their voices heard by adults in charge to be involved. The day provides a brilliant opportunity for children and young people to make a difference to their schools and communities, put their views across and challenge the stereotypes about them that we hear too often. Children and young people have so much to offer. They bring ideas, imagination and energy which can really make a difference to organisations.
Pupils from Bispham High School in Blackpool, Accrington College and young advisors from Manchester Young Advisors will take part in the youth panel at the CPS North West HQ office in central Manchester during the morning and will have a buffet lunch with the Chief Crown Prosecutor.
