Whether you are big or small, tall or short,
black or white - bullying at schools can affect kids anywhere and at
any time. It's one of histories great mysteries - why does it happen
and how can we stop it?
Is it your fault? Is it theirs? Is it a crucial compenent in growing up
and evolving new characteristics (without bullying, we may not have
ever had some of the famous comedians we now know and love. A lot of
comedy comes from being a defense mechanism).
The Australian Goverment has recently announced that starting in 2012,
the annual National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence is to
be held in the third week of March each year to raise community
awareness about bullying and violence and to provide positive
strategies and activities to all Australian schools.
The Safe and Supportive School Communities Project, a joint initiative
of Australia’s commonwealth, state and territory governments in
collaboration with Catholic and Independent education authorities, is
organising the annual day and making useful and practical information
and ideas available to schools.
So what do we know about bullying so far?
Discrimination is when individuals or groups get treated unfairly
because they are seen as different.
It is not ok
to be excluded, called names or treated unfairly because...
* You use a wheelchair, need help walking or have any other disability
* You have problems learning
* Your background is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
* You or your parents come from another country
* You or your family belong to an ethnic, religious or cultural group
* You have a particular skin colour
* You're a boy (or have "boy germs")
* You are a girl (or have "girl germs")
* You are gay or lesbian
* You are married or have children
* Of your physical appearance
* Of your age
* Of your economic status.
Some people are prejudiced against those among us who are different.
These prejudices come from distrust, misunderstanding, lack of
knowledge,jealousy and more often than not - fear.
Sometimes policies and situations discriminate. Think about how many
public places don't provide wheelchair access.
We can deal with our own prejudices by making friends with all groups
of people – not just those we would normally relate to.
Making informed responses to bullying, harassment, discrimination and
violence based on understanding of the issues helps us to create safe
school communities.
For
more information about activities to support the National Day of Action
Against Bullying and Violence initiative, including the Take A Stand
Together campaign, and for other resources for schools, students and
parents go to www.bullyingnoway.com.au
