Reporting by Iain Ramage

A Glasgow school is leading the way in a Scotland-wide campaign to tackle bullying.

Bellahouston Academy has kickstarted this year's campaign by hosting an initial workshop to be replicated by hundreds of teachers and youth workers across Scotland.

The national anti-bullying service Respect Me and #ChooseRespect campaign aim to drive "respectful, positive behaviour" between youngsters and their peers through a series of stages exploring key issues identified by young people themselves during last year's campaign.

This year, Respect Me has urged everyone working with youngsters, from teachers and youth group leaders to sports coaches and community volunteers, to pledge support via www.chooserespect.scot and be among the first to gain access to this year's learning materials.

The service was established in 2007 and is funded by the Scottish Government.

It is managed in partnership with the Scottish Association for Mental Health and LGBT Youth Scotland.

Respect Me's Katie Ferguson said: "Encouraging positive behaviours that reduce the likelihood of bullying is not just a one-week-per-year exercise.

"Positive behaviour should be encouraged throughout the year, exploring and building on key topics of discussion and importance to young people in today's society.

"This is why we've restructured the 2018 anti-bullying campaign and it will span throughout the entire academic year."

She added: "We recognise that choosing respect doesn't always come easily but how we behave is ultimately our decision.

"We're hoping the campaign will help get the whole country choosing respect and building positive relationships."