Program targets bullying

Schoolyard bullying is the target of a new program called Rock and Water being run at Brisbane Water College, Umina Campus, this year.

The Reconnecting Adolescents and Parents Team (RAPT) of Uniting Care Bumside were recently accredited to conduct the program to all year 7 students at Umina Campus.

"In working together with Brisbane Water College Umina Campus, we can help the students to enhance the necessary skills in dealing with bullying and peer pressure while at the same time increasing self-esteem and self-awareness," said Ms Vicki Daley of the RAPT team.

"Developed by a school counsellor trained in martial arts, Rock and Water is intended to teach boys to be more confident, aware and in control when faced with bullying or peer pressure.

"The Rock and Water program has had wide-spread success in Holland where it was developed and other European countries."

Brisbane Water College Umina Campus was selected by RAPT to participate in the program because of its pro-active approach to community welfare issues.

Press release, February 17