Ettalong mother starts bullying web page
Ettalong mother Ms Melanie Williams has started a social media page in an attempt to raise awareness and combat bullying in schools.
Ms Williams said she had been "overwhelmed with the response" to the Facebook page.
"There are a lot of bullying issues in schools all over and sadly we, as parents, feel powerless," said Ms Williams.
"I have battled with the school my kids go to for four years now with little satisfaction.
"I'm tired of my concerns being disregarded and made to feel as if my opinions and concerns are not of value and easily brushed aside.
"I feel it is time to stand up and let the schools know that they are there for us, not we for them.
"We as parents will be heard.
"Our children must be allowed to feel safe and happy when in the care of the people we entrust them to for their education and wellbeing.
"I have been to my children's school numerous times about bullying and have tried to work with them, but nothing changes.
"It came to the point where I just wanted someone to hear me because, honestly, it is heart breaking for a parent, not to mention the kids.
"The principal simply brushes it aside," she said.
Ms Williams also said that when people thought of bullying they automatically thought about kids bullying other kids.
"But it is not only the kids," said Ms Williams.
"There are teachers that are talking down to students as well, and they are supposed to be leading by example.
"I also made the principal aware of this and asked him to speak to my son's teacher, only for her to say the same thing in front of the whole class the very next day, which happened to be the national day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.
"That was the straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak.
"The next day I voiced my opinion strongly, but still was not heard, so the Facebook page is a result.
"This problem is not going anywhere. It's only getting bigger and that is my concern.
"I call on the Education Department and the Government of NSW to start sorting this mess out that they have brushed under the carpet for so long.
"These kids are our future.
"They are the next generation and if we don't act we are going to have a society of very angry adults.
"The Government is all about workplace bullying. What about the children?
"As parents, we want to show them that positive changes can be made in a proactive way, where all involved get the care and understanding we all deserve as human beings," said Ms Williams.
Ms Williams' Facebook page, Central Coast Parents Against Bullying, had a total of almost 700 followers.
Kaitlin Watts, 1 Apr 2013
Interviewee: Melanie Williams