Schools urged to join national anti-bullying campaign
THE day after The Morning Bulletin publishes a story about online bullying, the State Government issues urges Queensland school to register for a National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence campaign.
See the Bully's latest cyber-bullying story here.
Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek said more than 200,000 students across Australia were expected to take part in the National Day of Action on March 15.
"It's a chance for schools to promote their own programs and initiatives that encourage positive behaviour and counter bullying," he said.
"And it's an opportunity to stand together and feel proud of what has already been achieved to make Queensland schools safe and supportive learning environments.
"It is also the one day on which all school communities across Australia can take a stand against bullying and violence both at school and in the wider community.
"Bullying affects everyone involved, including people who witness it.
"The fact that we are engaged in a national conversation about bullying is a positive sign that we are taking it seriously and taking action to reduce it."
Mr Langbroek said 2013 marked the third National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, which was an initiative of all Education Ministers across Australia.
He said this year schools had been given a range of information and resources including the Stand Together 2013 curriculum materials.
"These resources were developed to help students understand the role they can play as 'active bystanders', as well as exploring the importance of 'taking a stand together' against bullying and violence."
Schools can register to take part in the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence at www.bullyingnoway.gov.au
Facts on bullying according to www.kidspot.com.au
- One student in every four in Australian schools is affected by bullying, says recent research commissioned by the Federal Government.
- An estimated 200 million children and youth around the world are being bullied by their peers, according to the 2007 Kandersteg Declaration Against Bullying in Children and Youth.
- Kids who are bullied are three times more likely to show depressive symptoms, says the Centre for Adolescent Health.
- Children who were bullied were up to nine times more likely to have suicidal thoughts, say some studies.
- Girls who were victims of bullying in their early primary school years were more likely to remain victims as they got older, according to British research.
- Children who were frequently bullied by their peers were more likely to develop psychotic symptoms in their early adolescence, says more UK research.
- Girls were much more likely than boys to be victims of both cyber and traditional bullying, says a recent Murdoch Children's Research Institute study.
- Children as young as three can become victims of bullying, says Canadian research.
- Young people who bully have a one in four chance of having a criminal record by the age of 30.
- Bullying is the fourth most common reason young people seek help from children's help services.
