'I don’t want that for my children’: Giovanna Fletcher opens up about being bullied in school

 

Author Giovanna Fletcher has spoken out about her past experiences with bullying. The mum-of-two is taking part in the #BackToSchool campaign, where she hopes to raise awareness by sharing her own story.

 

In an emotional video, Giovanna talks about her school days and speaks about how she was bullied when she was just seven years old. Giovanna speaks about how it started off with little comments, but then escalated to the point where she was physically hurt.

 

There were numerous events where she fell into rose bushes in the school grounds, and would then end up seeking help from the school nurse. She says, “I don’t think there’s anything quite as embarrassing as being with the nurse in school and having rose thorns pulled out of your bum.”

 

In the heart-wrenching video, Giovanna shares her concern for her son Buzz, who will be starting school next year. Starting school can be a daunting time for children, but it can also be an overwhelming experience for the parents, too.

 

Giovanna hopes her eldest son is accepted for who he is when he starts primary school, “You want them to be happy being whoever they are.”

 

 

I was badly bullied from when I was seven years old. Sadly it's a common story for so many children. @antibullyingpro asked me to get involved with their #Back2School campaign to share my own experience and offer any advice I might have. Here's a snippet of that video, you can see the full thing over on their channels (I will also be posting it on FB later). Bullying is not just a part of growing up and it needs to be tackled with great care. Far too many children are left feeling belittled and ignored. Get talking to find out what you can do to help the situation. I know my own difficulties have really shaped who I am today. All my insecurities and putting too much effort into people who don't deserve my love all stems from being that seven year old girl who was desperate to make friends. I don't want that for my children.xx

A post shared by Giovanna Fletcher (@mrsgifletcher) on Sep 4, 2017 at 4:52am PDT

 

She believes that everyone should be accepted, no matter who they are. Embracing our unique qualities is so important, and Giovanna believes that our differences are what make us wonderful.

 

There are many celebrities taking part in the campaign alongside Giovanna, including Tom Daley, Rio Ferdinand and Gemma Oaten. The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Campaign is the organisation behind this great campaign, and they are determined to put a stop to bullying in schools across the UK and in Ireland.

 

The Anti-Bullying Campaign was established in 2011, as part of the Diana Award, which honours the late Princess Diana’s belief that children have the power to change the world for the better.

 

The Anti-Bullying Campaign work tirelessly to put a stop to bullying in schools and youth organisations. They hope to achieve this by educating youths, running anti-bullying campaigns like #BackToSchool, and showing people that there is nothing wrong with being different, it’s something that should be celebrated.

 

You can get involved with the campaign by using the #BackToSchool hashtag on social media sites, like Twitter and Instagram. The Anti-Bullying Campaign also invite people to share their words of wisdom with the youth of today to make their school days that little bit easier.