#FreeTheShoulders Podcast

The Diana Award

Bullying affects too many young people, and too often the conversation stops at awareness. Hosted by Juliana Lax, Psychoeducation Specialist, The Diana Award's new podcast dives into topics around understanding anti-bullying, the impact of bullying behaviours and how we can all become Upstanders.

Episodes

  1. How To Be An Upstander

    May 17

    How To Be An Upstander

    Culture shifts when people take action. Calling out bullying shows that it’s not okay and lets the person being targeted know they’re not on their own.In episode 3 of The Diana Award’s #FreeTheShoulders Podcast, we’re at James Young High School in Livingston, Scotland. Host Juliana is joined by students Amy and Kyle, alongside teacher Daniel, to explore what it really means to be an Upstander and what that can look like in everyday school life.You’ll also hear from more students at James Young High as they talk honestly about what can stop young people from stepping in, and share practical ways to support someone who’s being bullied.Sound like a conversation someone you know should hear? Send them the podcast. Available now on all major podcasting platforms

    27 min
  2. The Impact Of Appearance Based Bullying

    May 13

    The Impact Of Appearance Based Bullying

    Appearance‑based bullying doesn’t always look obvious, but it can stay with you for a long time.   Small comments, when repeated, can start to shape howyoung people see themselves, how confident they feel, and how safe they feel showing up at school.   In episode 2 of The Diana Award’s #FreeTheShoulders Podcast, we visit Orion Spires Academy in Canterbury, Kent. Host Juliana is joined by students Lilly and Kim, alongside Assistant Principal Kev Reygate, to talk about what’s really happening beneath the surface when bullying occurs andthe longer‑term impact it can have.   You’ll also hear from other students at Orion SpiresAcademy, sharing why asking for help can feel difficult, how social media influences appearance‑based bullying, and what support actually makes a difference.   If this sounds like a conversation a young person, parent, or school should hear - share it.   Available now on all major podcast platforms.

    26 min
  3. Understanding Appearance-Based Bullying

    May 11

    Understanding Appearance-Based Bullying

    Bullying has three clear markers. It is repeated,negative and intended to make people feel upset, uncomfortable or unsafe.   In the UK, more than half of young people say they’veexperienced bullying related to their appearance. Those with dandruff are twiceas likely to be bullied.   Episode One of The Diana Award’s #FreeTheShoulders Podcast starts at Shireland Biomedical UTC in the Midlands. Hosted by Juliana, this episode features students Humaryah and Sumeet alongside Behaviour Manager Jimmy, as they unpack how appearance‑based bullying shows up in everyday school life - and how we can spot it and challenge it sooner.   You’ll also hear from other students at the school,sharing why appearance is often the first thing bullies focus on, and what a positive, inclusive school culture really looks like.   Know a young person, parent, or school that should hear this conversation? Share the podcast.   Available now on all major podcast platforms.

    29 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Bullying affects too many young people, and too often the conversation stops at awareness. Hosted by Juliana Lax, Psychoeducation Specialist, The Diana Award's new podcast dives into topics around understanding anti-bullying, the impact of bullying behaviours and how we can all become Upstanders.

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