Diana charity launches anti-bullying campaign ahead of new school term

The charity set up in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, who died 19 years ago, is launching its Back2School anti-bullying campaign.
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Aug 2016, 14:10 BST
Updated 31st Aug 2016, 15:16 BST
Royalist Margaret Tyler lays flowers outside Kensington Palace, London, on the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, who was killed in a car crash in central Paris along with Dodi FayedRoyalist Margaret Tyler lays flowers outside Kensington Palace, London, on the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, who was killed in a car crash in central Paris along with Dodi Fayed
Royalist Margaret Tyler lays flowers outside Kensington Palace, London, on the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, who was killed in a car crash in central Paris along with Dodi Fayed

As the summer holidays come to an end for more than 10 million children in the UK, The Diana Award is spearheading an online initiative aimed at sharing advice about being bullied at school.

The mother of the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry died in Paris in the early hours of August 31, 1997.

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Diana and boyfriend Dodi Fayed were killed when the Mercedes they were travelling in hit a pillar in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel. They were being pursued by the paparazzi after leaving the Ritz Hotel. Driver Henri Paul, who was also killed, was drunk and driving at high speed.

Tributes are left outside Kensington Palace, London, on the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, who was killed in a car crash in central Paris along with Dodi FayedTributes are left outside Kensington Palace, London, on the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, who was killed in a car crash in central Paris along with Dodi Fayed
Tributes are left outside Kensington Palace, London, on the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, who was killed in a car crash in central Paris along with Dodi Fayed

The loss of the ‘’People’s Princess’’ led to a mass outpouring of public grief. The young princes William and Harry were just 15 and 12 at the time.

Tessy Ojo, CEO of The Diana Award, said: “As we remember Princess Diana on the anniversary of her death, it is heartening to know that her legacy lives on through tens of thousands of young people across the UK.

“Many of these young people were not born when Princess Diana died 19 years ago but they carry their Diana Award with pride and admiration for the woman whose memory it was set up in.”

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As part of the Back2School campaign, celebrities such as James McVey from The Vamps, former England footballer Rio Ferdinand and singer Jessie J will be talking about their experiences in the classroom, prompted by a photograph of themselves from their school days.

Tributes are left outside Kensington Palace, London, on the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, who was killed in a car crash in central Paris along with Dodi FayedTributes are left outside Kensington Palace, London, on the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, who was killed in a car crash in central Paris along with Dodi Fayed
Tributes are left outside Kensington Palace, London, on the anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, who was killed in a car crash in central Paris along with Dodi Fayed

A host of MPs will also get involved by sharing old images of themselves in their school uniforms.

The strategy, which begins on Monday and is being run for the second year in a row, aims to help young people think positively about returning to school and guide them through the transition.

It will encourage people of all ages to support the drive by posting or sharing a picture of themselves at school - past or present - on social media, with their back to school advice, using the hashtag #Back2School.

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An online advice centre will also be launched with blogs for pupils, staff and parents as they prepare for the start of the new term.

More information about Back2School can be found at www.antibullyingpro.com.

Related topics:Wales