Range of measures addresses bullying

A range of measures is available to address bullying at Umina campus of Brisbane Water Secondary College, according to acting campus principal Mr Gus Vrolyk.

Mr Vrolyk told parents in the school newsletter that the campus is committed to ensuring that all students could experience educational growth and development without interference or bullying from other students.

He said: "At the Umina Campus, we take the issue of bullying very seriously.

"Not only is there is a legislative framework under the National Safe Schools Framework, there are departmental guidelines and the school's own code of conduct and anti-bullying strategies.

"In 2005, we conducted an extensive review of school data about bullying, including a school-wide survey of all students.

"This work pinpointed a number of issues, especially in relation to bullying in the playground.

"As a result, there was a change both in supervisory practices and in rearranging the day to have the long break earlier."

Mr Vrolyk said that research indicated that a big problem in tackling bullying was the lack of reporting from students.

"Some students mistakenly believe that by trying to ignore the problem, it will go away," Mr Vrolyk said.

"The truth is it will not go away and, in fact, it often gets worse.

"Some students are fearful of reporting because they believe that by doing so they will face reprisals.

"Some students believe that teachers either do not care or cannot do anything about it."

Mr Vrolyk said that the campus takes positive steps both separately and in collaboration with parents to tackle bullying.

"If your child is being bullied, either the child or the parents need to notify the Team Leader or Assistant Team Leader who, in the first instance, will act on the problem," Mr Vrolyk said.

"If these measures do not fix the problem, then the matter may be taken up with the deputies and, ultimately, the principal.

"A range of measures may be taken, from counselling and support for the victim to a variety of consequences for the perpetrator, including detentions, being taken out of the playground, and suspension from class or school.

"In many of these instances, there will be contact with the parents of the victim and the perpetrator.

"Where there is a persistent problem, we may involve the police and have the Police Liaison Officer conduct interviews.

"If an instance of bullying occurs on the way to or from school, then we take the view it is school business and will act accordingly.

"At other times, outside of school, parents and the community must accept responsibility.

"My advice in this regard is to contact the police."

Mr Vrolyk said that Australian research, based on a sample of 25,000 individuals, indicates that more than 20 per cent of males and 15 per cent of females report being bullied one or more times per week.

"Bullying is widespread and occurs both in the community and in schools and is particularly likely to occur in a group from which the potential victim cannot escape.

"Bullying is regarded as a particularly destructive form of aggression," Mr Vrolyk said.

"It can be physical, verbal, or psychological and is intended to cause fear, distress, or harm to the victim."

Mr Vrolyk said that research indicated that schools are among the safest places for young people to be.

"I strongly believe that this is the case at our school," Mr Vrolyk said.

Newsletter, 22 June, 2007 Gus Vrolyk, Brisbane Water Secondary College