New drama is taking the subject of Cyberbullying into Deeside primary schools

Pupils from St Ethelwolds Primary in Shotton were the first to see a new drama developed by Theatr Clwyd which tackles the growing problem of cyberbullying.

The ‘Junior Justice’ project has been developed by the Mold based Theatre Clwyd, with the assistance of PACT, the Police and Community Trust and School Community Police Officers from North Wales Police will visit a host of schools across Deeside and the wider Flintshire area over the next few weeks.

The project introduces Year 6 pupils, aged 10 and 11, to how the justice system works and tackle vital issues concerning the increase in cyber bullying of primary-age children.

Professional actors perform a short play about Dominic, a ten-year-old who is being bullied online to do things against his will.

[miptheme_quote author=”Emyr John, Theatr Clwyd’s Creative Engagement Associate” style=”text-left”]We hope through this project to educate young people from an early age about our legal system. To explain what laws are and how we use them, but also to show how they can impact our everyday lives. Then, from this starting point, we have a good opportunity to teach our young people, who at the age of 10 are legally liable for their behaviour, how to conduct their online lives responsibly.” [/miptheme_quote]

The bully knows details about him and his family that he doesn’t want to be known to his friends and classmates and is using this information to blackmail and intimidate the boy.

The play, devised and directed by Emyr John, Theatr Clwyd’s Creative Engagement Associate, explores the issues arising from this and seeks to provide clear directions as to what a child should do in such a threatening and distressing situation.

James Ifan and Emyr John from Theatr Clwyd at St Ethelwolds Primary School, Shotton today, Monday June 5

The drama is acted by professional actor James Ifan and presented in an interactive format, with classroom discussion as the story unfolds of the decisions and questions which the character ‘Dominic’ must resolve.

The narrative is presented as evidence that the police have for a court case. The class, having discussed the evidence, have to decide whether the perpetrator is guilty or innocent.

The class, having discussed the evidence, have to decide whether the perpetrator is guilty or innocent.

Funding for the project has been provided by the Scottish Power Foundation.

Ann McKechin, Executive Officer and Trustee Scottish Power Foundation, commented:

We are delighted to fund the innovative project – Junior Justice in a Day, which this month is engaging with pupils in North Wales for the first time, providing a positive impact on the lives of the young people.