eLearning News
'Bullying' is a word that is used for lots of things that are not actually bullying. These other behaviours may be just as serious, such as violent conflict, but may require different responses. Bullying is a serious issue for all of us. We know that it can happen anywhere, anytime, and can have devastating consequences. We also know that with the rise of social media, cyberbullying is an increasingly important issue. Where bullying was once confined to the playground, it can now occur online at any time of the day or night. Cyberbullying is just as harmful as face-to-face bullying, and online actions can have real life consequences. At Nazareth College, we pride ourselves on being a safe, supportive and respectful teaching and learning community that promote student wellbeing.
One of the strategies and our approach to creating a safe and supportive school environment, is promoting the anti- bullying message and fostering online safety. On the 16th of March 2018, Nazareth College will stand united with our community to celebrate the eighth ‘National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA)’. The best way to tackle bullying and cyberbullying is for schools, students and parents to work together in partnership.
Parents and students are strongly encouraged to visit the the Bullying. No Way!, a website for Australian schools that is managed by the Safe and Supportive School Communities Working Group which has representatives from all states and territories, including the Catholic and independent schooling sectors.
Bullying can be an accepted part of a community, or it can be understood by everyone as not acceptable and not appropriate. Countering bullying involves the whole school community. Each person in the school community has an important role. Students and families are central to preventing bullying and creating a school climate of respect and inclusion, and their meaningful engagement demonstrates the value the school holds for students and families.
Parents contribute to anti-bullying efforts both, by their support to their own children and participating in school activities and strategies. Sometimes, it can be difficult for parents or carers to know what to do when their child talks to them about bullying. If your child talks to you about bullying:
- Listen calmly and get the full story. Your calm response is important to allow your child to tell you all about the situation. After they have told you their story, ask questions to get more details if you need to: who, what, where, when. Although you may feel some strong emotions about your child’s experience, try to keep calm to avoid more distress to your child.
- Reassure your child they are not to blame. Many children blame themselves and this may make them feel even worse. You could say things like, ‘That sounds really hard to deal with. No one should have to put up with that.’ or ‘I’m so glad you told me. You should be able to feel safe at school; that’s not fair at all’.
- Ask your child what they want to do and what they want you to do. A critical part of your response is to avoid jumping in to solve the problem. While it is natural to want to protect your child, helping them to find their own solution is a better option. It helps them feel they have some power in the situation.
- Visit the the Bullying. No Way! website to find some strategies. The website has tips and ideas for different bullying situations. One idea is to practise strategies at home to help your child feel more confident.
- https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/
- Contact the school. Your child may be reluctant for you to do this, so discuss the idea and reassure them that the school would want to know and is able to help. Make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher and, if you need to, ask to talk with the principal. Contact the school immediately if you have a concern about your child’s safety.
- Check in regularly with your child. Keep the conversation going. It can take time to resolve issues, so check in regularly with your child about their experiences and their feelings. Your ongoing support is important.
Students are central in the school's efforts to counter bullying and to create positive learning environments for everyone. A animated video for students which helps you learn what bullying is and what to do if you are bullied is available for you to view by clicking on the link.
Students are strongly encouraged to download the ‘Take a Stand Together’ app. This is a free mobile app that has tips and advice about bullying.
At Nazareth College, we aim to create a safe and supportive school community for everyone. You are an important part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively if it happens. Stopping bullying involves everyone. The National Day of Action is Australia’s key anti-bullying event for schools and it is a positive day of action, bringing the Nazareth community together to help find workable solutions that address bullying and violence.
Let's Take a Stand Together.
Bullying is NEVER OK!