Stop the bullies and keep our schools safe.
Research has shown that around 20 per cent of students report being victims of bullying at least once a week. This figure could be even higher, because many problems are never reported.
This is pretty worrying, considering that bullying has been shown to cause low self-esteem, depression, poor health and increased suicidal tendencies. Students who are bullied also miss more school, which can affect their education.
Bullying can take on many different forms. It’s more than just physical bullying, like hitting or kicking. It can also be:
Verbal ” name-calling or teasing;
Psychological ” mind games, threats, and standover tactics;
Social ” social exclusion, spreading rumours; and
Sexual ” physical or verbal sexual harassment.
People also become bullies for a variety of reasons. It can be motivated by jealousy, distrust, misunderstanding or prejudice.
Bullying can continue over a long period of time, especially if the victim is scared that the bulling will get worse if they say something.
But no-one should have to put up with this kind of behaviour. Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected. Don’t be scared or shame to tell a teacher, the principal or another adult.
To help combat the problem of bullying in our schools, the first National Safe Schools Week will be held during the week of May 15 to 21. Schools across the country will be taking part in different programs and activities to address the issues of bullying and help reduce the incidence of bullying in their schools.
For more info on National Safe Schools Week, head to www.safeschoolsweek.dest.gov.au
For more info on bullying, as well as advice and suggestions for students, staff and parents, head to www.bullyingnoway.com.au
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