Simon Pegg helps Gloucestershire students
A group of teenagers tackling bullies have been given support from a Hollywood star.
Jodie Danks, 17, of Brockworth Enterprise School, contacted former pupil Simon Pegg in the hope he would offer them some advice.
The Year 13 student, a member of “Vision”, a student support network, was delighted when the actor got in touch.
Jodie, who is head girl, said: “I emailed his agent through his website, and he did respond quite quickly.
During her interview with the Star Trek and Spaced star Jodie asked: Can you define bullying in your own words?
Simon replied: “Bullying means using strength or power to intimidate or harm someone weaker or in a weaker position than you.
“It’s important to send the message out to those who bully and intimidate that their actions are unacceptable.”
When asked if he had been bullied at school Simon replied: “To some degree yes but not to the extent that some people do.
“I think most people experience bullying at some point, whether it be subtle or overt. Bullying isn’t just about stealing another person's lunch money. It can be mental or physical, insidious or blatant.”
So what does Simon think of bullies?
“I have complete disapproval towards bullying but also to some degree, pity. Bullies are weak and pathetic,” he said.
And his advice for seeking help?
“If you don’t it will simply continue.” he said. “Be strong. You are not being a snitch, you are protecting yourself and others.”
He advised victims of bullying to talk to Vision or a teacher.
“If you're not sure who to speak to at school, speak to a parent or even a friend. The important thing is not to suffer in silence,” he said.
Jodie and her team are also delighted after being nominated for a prestigious award for their efforts combating bullying.
They were put up for the Diana Award by deputy head teacher Stuart Langworthy.
Mr Langworthy explained the group had become a big part of the school’s support structure.
He said: “If students are suffering from low level bullying they are referred to this group who listen to them and then carry out restorative justice to try and put the situation right.
“They have been very successful in dealing with the small number of cases that have been referred to them – bullying is not a major issue at all at the school and it is partly because of this group that it is at such a low level.”
18 Comments
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by Mark Barber, Prince of Wales Pub
Wednesday, February 03 2010, 10:54AM
“I don't see what all the fuss is about. A bit of bullying is only a laugh and helps the weaklings to toughen up.”
by Anon, Gloucester
Wednesday, February 03 2010, 9:29AM
“I think it¿s a fantastic idea. Hearing someone so well known talk about bullying is likely to have a bigger impact on pupils and make people stop and think.”
by Budgeriegar, GLoucester
Wednesday, February 03 2010, 9:26AM
“Bullying effects everyone, in school, in the workplace, at home, on the street, but it has more of a lasting effect on us while we're at school.
I feel sorry for anyone who is consistently bullied by people at school. I tried to stay out of harms way and avoided it in the most part in my school days, but others were not so lucky.
I only feel bad that I turned and walked away some times instead of sticking up for my friends.
I think it's great that a group of kids have taken this”
by Moss, Brockworth
Wednesday, February 03 2010, 9:21AM
“Good on you Mr Pegg. You strike me as one of those Hollywood stars who hasn't let it all get to his head.
I hope this persists. It's always good for a school to have its links with the rich and famous, not just for publicity but for the morale it brings to the pupils themselves.
So good on you all - escpecially Jodie - what a star!”
by bratz, glos
Monday, January 25 2010, 9:40AM
“I have been bullied by HR Manager-Female, Office Manager- Female, Colleague-Female.
All of them are very very ugly, unloved, Unmarried and very very fat. They are 'miserable woman. They should seek some mental health help.”
by Proud Brockworth Teacher, Cheltenham
Sunday, January 24 2010, 9:18PM
“Private School Sector, Blue Eyes Random - I suggest you spend some time working on your written English instead of criticising a school you obviously know very little about. Target: Check your work carefully. Must try harder.”
by A Girl, gloucester
Sunday, January 24 2010, 6:20PM
“What is everyones problem at least we are doing something about the bullying nlike other people who dont give a flying monkey thats why people dont bother going to school. our school is up for this award and we have one it before i think that might show something and it doesnt matter if our school is not the best i think its good and i have been there since year 7 and i am now in year 12. i have been bullied and the school has been there for me all the time. so say what you want but al least we are doing something.”
by anon, anon
Sunday, January 24 2010, 3:55PM
“Don't think much of it to be honest, compared to other schools.”
by Private School Sector, Blue Eyes Random
Sunday, January 24 2010, 3:53PM
“No offence meant,
but to be honest I did think that SOME of the pupils who go there were slightly behaving in a manner that didn't give the school a good reputation, and I'm glad that they are finally sorting it out, but I don't think that its an amazing school at the moment, and if you want to go there, or send your children there or whatever, then thats up to you. Not all State Schools are good/bad schools, and Private schools are generally incredibly good, its just some of the people that let the whole school down.”
by humpty dumpty the 3rd, fairyland
Sunday, January 24 2010, 3:10AM
“i was extensivley bullied as a young egg , and being the 3rd of a generation of dumptys , who commited suicide by jumping off walla at the extensive bullying , i stood up to them , and got scrambled”