A BRIMBANK secondary college is leading the battle against cyber bullying.
Students, staff and parents at St Albans Secondary College were involved in a series of cyber safety seminars in the lead-up to a ‘national day against bullying’ on Friday.
Parent participation co-ordinator Maree Wilkie said the seminars, for parents and year 7-9 students, were led by representatives from the Australian Media and Communications Authority. They were instigated by parents who were concerned about their children’s welfare and wanted to learn ways they could prevent cyber bullying at home.
“We’ve had a few instances of cyber bullying at the school and parents have raised the issue with me,” Ms Wilkie said.
“As a parent, the concern is that bullying isn’t just something that happens at school any more; it can follow students home. You have to put a certain amount of trust in your kids, but the internet is a tool that’s changing all the time, so it’s also important for parents to remain informed on how they can help their children protect themselves outside of school hours.”
Her daughter Renae, 14, was among students who took part in a seminar. “A lot of students can think they know everything about online safety already,” Renae said.
“But what many students don’t realise is that your Facebook accounts can easily be hacked into if you don’t have the right settings, and that employers may actually look at the content you have on your Facebook before they hire you.”
Renae said students who were bullied often isolated themselves, which distracted them from their learning and “could damage them for the rest of their life”.
Assistant principal Ian Crocker said the school took a zero tolerance approach to bullying. Workshops like those held last week had ensured the rate of bullying at the school had declined in recent years.
“We have an ironclad guarantee at the school that any report of bullying is taken extremely seriously and will be investigated,” he said.
Caroline Springs’ community liaison officer, Senior Constable Joanne Mutsaerts, is part of a proactive policing unit that stages anti-cyber bullying workshops for schools, and sporting and community groups, in Melton and Brimbank.
She said she had seen the aftermath of cruel words hitting their intended target, including increased risk of depression and suicide.
“It’s not a school-based issue, it’s a community issue. I’ve seen cases of children being socially excluded in the classroom or the school yard. It can be life changing. The key is communication. If something’s not right, it’s upsetting or disturbing, so talk to an adult or somebody you trust.”
Senior Constable Mutsaerts encouraged parents to monitor their children’s internet use. “It’s not spying if they’re looking at the conversation; it’s monitoring. It’s making sure they’re not putting themselves or somebody else at risk. If a family member becomes very withdrawn, or there’s big erratic behaviour changes, try to get to the bottom of it.”
GETTING HELP
Cyber bullying prevention tips: childwise.net
Life Line: 13 11 44
Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800
