- Australia is holding a national day to help combat bullying in schools
Australia Says NO to Bullying in Schools
BRISBANE – Australia is hosting a National Day of Action against bullying. The issue of bullying in schools is seen as far too wide-spread. The Government has put in place several efforts including the national day of action.
The Government states, ‘Bullying affects everyone involved, including people who witness it. It can have serious and long-term emotional or psychological consequences in addition to the immediate harmful effects.
“Communities that condone or ignore bullying may create an environment where more serious anti-social behaviour is condoned.
“Bullying undermines key values that schools aim to promote in students – respect, trust and honesty.”
Isn’t bullying just a normal part of growing up?
Bullying is not a normal stage that all children and young people pass through, and it is not just something to put up with as ‘part of life’. Behaviour that is intended to harm can impede healthy development.
Ignoring bullying or thinking that it is just something that children and young people do or that it will be ‘character building’ can give silent approval for bullying to continue and further traumatise those who are bullied.
What are the impacts of bullying on those people who are bullied?
Being bullied can result in a person feeling miserable and powerless, so the response of those around that person is important in making a change.
Research shows that bullying can have a negative impact on students’ academic performance, self-esteem, coping skills, and can increase anxiety and unhappiness. It is important that students, staff and parents get involved to make a positive change.
Bullying can negatively affect how children and young people see themselves and how they feel about themselves.
