Wellbeing & Culture

Sticks & Stones Incursion

Friday the 15th of March was our Incursion for our middle and senior school. The students were encouraged to speak about the things that were included in the program. Below is some information for you in your case child wants to discuss anything.

WHAT WAS THE INCURSION?

STICKS AND STONES – AN INCURSION PROGRAM THAT PROMOTES RESILIENCE, CYBER SAFETY AND ANTI BULLYING IN AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS.

Sticks and Stones is an evidence-based wellbeing program which is fun and inclusive for primary schools that reinforces positive relationships and supports vulnerable children to build confidence and social and emotional skills.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The performance was separated into 2 clear sections, Anti-Bullying and Cyber Safety. Afterwards the students participated in a conversation about what they observed in the performance.

WHAT WAS THE PERFORMANCE ABOUT?

When things go wrong at home, at school or online, Toby’s body goes into fight/flight. Toby responds in the only way he knows how – with aggression and antisocial behaviour.

When Toby meets Joe, he learns to be assertive and respect boundaries. He deals with negative online experiences by reporting and telling an adult, and learns more positive ways to deal with anger: he stops, breathes, puts his hands in his pockets, walks away and talks about his feelings. Toby cooperates with other kids to create a circus routine with acrobatics and juggling.

SOME QUESTIONS THAT YOU COULD DISCUSS WITH YOUR CHILD.

If you wanted to, here is a few questions that you could ask your child to engage them in a conversation:

“How was your incursion the other day? What was it about?”

“Can tell me what ‘bullying’ means?” (When someone hurts another person deliberately with their words or actions, and they do it over and over again. It includes teasing, leaving people out, making fun of people and physical harm like hitting or punching)

“What does ‘cyberbullying’ mean?” (When someone uses technology/devices/the internet to bully or hurt someone else. It includes posting or sending hurtful comments, messages, images or videos, telling lies about someone or deliberately leaving someone out online)

“What can you do if you’re being bullied at school?” (Don’t react; take a deep breath; walk away; go to the office or somewhere safe; tell a teacher)

“What can you do if you’re being bullied online, like on a game or an app?” (Don’t reply or respond; tell your parents or a teacher immediately and ask them to help you) Your parents can help you take a screenshot of the posts or messages and report it to the site. If the bullying is really bad, they can even report it to the eSafety Commissioner.

“What are some rules that we have at home about going on online?” (E.g. You must be supervised while you’re online; only go online in a public part of the house like the dining room; no devices in bedrooms; never talk to people online that you don’t know in real life). The eSafety Commissioner website is a good place to go if you or your parents need more information about cyber safety. There's even a page called 'eSafety Kids' that has tips for staying safe on games and apps.

“There were times in the show when the characters felt worried, angry, confused or sad. Who can you talk to if you're feeling that way?” (Parents; caregivers; grandparents; uncles/aunties; teachers; older siblings or cousins; school counsellors; Chaplain; Pastoral Care or wellbeing team; Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800)

WARNING SIGNS FOR ONLINE

If your child is chatting online or playing an online game, what are some of the warning signs that a person is not who they say they are, like a stranger or an adult?

· Some examples:

- they ask for your name, age, address or phone number

- they say things to you that make you feel uncomfortable

- they send you inappropriate photos, videos or messages

- they ask you to send them inappropriate photos, videos or messages

- they ask if mum or dad are in the room

- they ask if you have a webcam in your room

- they try to be friends really quickly

- they ask you to keep secrets or play secret games

CYBER SAFETY – REMINDERS ON WHAT TO DO.

Report the user details to game provider
Call police
eSafety Commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/report

USEFUL LINKS & RESOURCES

The following resources may be helpful

· The eSafety Commissioner provides comprehensive information for teachers, parents, children and young people about a range of online safety issues, including how to stay safe on social media, gaming sites and other online platforms. They also have a tool for reporting serious cyberbullying: https://www.esafety.gov.au/

· Kids Helpline offers counselling, support and information to children and young people aged 5 to 25 years. The website provides age-appropriate information about a range of topics, including bullying, cyber safety, family relationships and dealing with emotions, for kids, parents and teachers: https://kidshelpline.com.au/

· Bullying. No Way! is a government organisation that provides information and resources for students, parents and teachers to help create safe and harmonious school environments: https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/

· Smiling Mind offers a free app that helps make mindfulness more accessible for people of all ages, with modules designed for use in the classroom. Mindfulness is a skill that may help some people manage their emotions, thoughts and behaviour: https://www.smilingmind.com.au/.

Kelly Goodgame – On behalf of the Wellbeing and Culture Team