Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Joining together to get ahead of bullying
22 May 2015
Joining together to get ahead of bullying
Releasing the updated 2015 Bullying Prevention Guidelines on Pink Shirt Day at Silverstream School, Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Mr David Rutherford said he is confident that the drive to stop bullying across New Zealand schools is really gaining ground.
“Any kind of bullying in school is serious and has negative impacts on young people. Real change happens when students, staff, parents and whanau collaborate to make their school culture powerfully anti-bullying,” Mr Rutherford said.
The Guidelines provide advice and new tools for primary and secondary schools to help them prevent and respond to bullying. Mr David Rutherford explains they have additional information on cyber bullying and digital technology, and contain new information on identifying homophobic bullying.
The Bullying Prevention Advisory Group (BPAG) supports schools to create safe and positive environments and improve students’ wellbeing and achievement. The group includes education sector representatives and agencies who share a commitment to taking a stand against bullying.
“We have added suggestions that schools can give parents and caregivers, because schools asked us for more support in this area. A school’s response to bullying is more effective if parents, families, whānau and the wider community are involved,” Mr Rutherford said.”
“Bullying takes different forms and can occur in hidden ways such as through social media, text and so on so it is important to be vigilant and to create a culture of anti-bullying in the first instance.
“Bullying of gay and transgender students is overrepresented in bullying statistics and the guide now offers education on sexuality and gender diversity.
“It takes a whole village to raise a child and this approach to bullying will help turn it around and for us to grow stable, bright and happy children,” he said.
The guide is part of an interagency Strategic Plan to address bullying. The key dimensions of the plan are:
• improving data on bullying in New Zealand schools
• developing resources for schools
• raising awareness of bullying prevention
• supporting schools to implement effective programmes.
The guide is being distributed to schools and can be downloaded here.
Ends
Gordon Campbell: On The Hikoi Aftermath
NZ Government: PM Marks One Year In Government
Helen Clark Foundation: Helen Clark Foundation Calls For Political Action To Reduce The Prevalence Of Junk Food And Improve Health Outcomes
Justice Committee: Further Decisions About Submissions Process For The Principles Of The Treaty Of Waitangi Bill
Infrastructure New Zealand: Single Agency Needed To Coordinate Climate Adaptation And Recovery
Free Speech Union: Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill Likely To Restrict Access To Information, Polling Shows Most Oppose
Auckland Transport: Driver Safety Screens Now Rolling Out Across Auckland’s Bus Fleet
