National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

Next Friday 17th March is the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.

Bullying unfortunately can occur from time to time in work places and social institutions, including schools. At Pacific, we aim to create a safe and supportive school community for our students. Sometimes, it can be difficult for parents or carers to know what to do when their child talks to them about issues that occur between students at school. As parents, you are an important part of our work in maintaining student wellbeing.

According to the Safe And Supportive School Communities (SSSC) Working Group, identifying what is actually bullying is not always easy. The SSSC describes bullying as an ongoing misuse of power involving patterns of harmful verbal, physical or social behaviour. Not all aggressive or harmful behaviour between people is bullying. While conflicts and aggressive behaviour need to be addressed, it is important to be clear when these behaviours are not actually bullying. The definition of bullying has three critical aspects:

• A repeated pattern;
• The misuse of power within relationships; and
• Behaviour that causes harm.

All three aspects need to be present in order for behaviour to be called bullying. So, what can parents do if their child tells them they think someone is bullying them?

1. Listen carefully to what your child wants to say.

2. Ask your child what they want to do and what they want you to do. With this in mind, be aware that schools cannot act to stop behaviours unless they are made aware that these behaviours are occurring.

3. Discuss with your child some sensible strategies to handle the problem – starting a fight is not sensible.

4. Contact the school.

At Pacific, addressing any problem between students’ focuses on a restorative approach, developing resilience in students and instilling a culture of respect amongst. More information about restorative practices can be found on our website at: http://pacificlutheran.qld.edu.au/pacific-education/wellbeing.