Young people taught to calm violent situations

Children in Kent are being taught to call out bullying and de-escalate potentially violent situations in a new campaign

Children in Kent are being shown ways to de-escalate and calm potentially violent situations.

In a campaign run by the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), young people are being encouraged to "clock it, check it, change it".

The aim is to stop youngsters being bystanders if they see incidences of bullying or threatening behaviour.

The campaign teaches them how to assess the danger, and decide if it is safe to step in, or to report the incident and seek help.

Caley Walden, VRU co-ordinator for South Kent, said: "Sometimes at this time of year there's a spike in behaviours or reports of harm.

"There's a difference between grassing and reporting. This is just a gentle nudge to check in on each other."

The campaign, which was created by young people for their peers, aims to encourage school pupils to report incidents such as bullying or other issues such as knife crime.

Caley Walden, VRU co-ordinator for South Kent

"Clock it" means to recognise that a difficult or dangerous situation is happening.

"Check it" will teach children the safe way to respond.

"Change it" will show them what positive steps can be taken to reduce harm.

Kent Police Chief Inspector Lara Connor, director of the unit said: "Stepping in could be as simple as asking someone who is being threatened or being aggressive if they're okay.

"We want young people to know, they have the power to make a difference. The campaign is not about putting themselves in danger, it's about thinking about how safe it is to step in.

"If you don't feel safe to step in, instead you can report what you see to a trusted adult or anonymously online to fearless.org.uk."