Premier press release

ANTI-BULLYING DVD GETS CINEMA PREMIERE
A new anti-bullying DVD that will be sent to every school in Essex has been given a special premiere at a Basildon cinema.
 
The teaching pack and DVD, titled ‘The Last Laugh’, has been developed to present the findings and recommendations made by the Essex Youth Scrutiny Committee (EYSC) on bullying, and to help stimulate discussion in schools on this important subject.
 
Last summer the EYSC consulted over 1500 young people at events across Essex, and discovered that bullying was the issue that caused them the most concern.
 
The EYSC then carried out further investigations into bullying, and produced a report with 12 recommendations, which was endorsed by the County Council’s Scrutiny Board.
 
The teaching pack and DVD has been designed as a unique way of feeding back the outcomes of the review and presenting the recommendations made.
 
‘The Last Laugh’ shows what it is like to be bullied, but finishes with a positive message on how to unmask a bully. It was premiered at the Empire Cinema in Basildon on Wednesday 17 March.
 
A number of students from Greensward Academy appear in the film, either in starring roles or as extras. Staff and students also attended the premiere.
 
County Councillor Colin Riley, Deputy Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “The Essex Youth Scrutiny Committee aims to help raise awareness of youth issues, and allow the voice of young Essex to be heard. I hope that this DVD will encourage open discussions about how to prevent bullying in classrooms across the county.”