‘Be a voice, not an echo’

BALLARAT High School students are being encouraged to say, ‘no way,’ to bullying for life, ahead of tomorrow’s National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.

Each student has participated in anti-bullying and prevention sessions in their learning mentor time, to understand what bullying is, where and when it can happen, and how to assist someone being bullied – whether that’s by calling it out, diffusing a situation, or seeking outside help from a trusted adult.

School psychologist and mental health practitioner Shannon Thompson said BHS is a community where kindness, empathy, inclusivity, and “upstander behaviour” is most valued.

“We’re encouraging and promoting conversations with regards to kindness and being an upstander, as well as promoting the resources that are available to them to access, both at school, and through community support services,” she said.

“The student wellbeing team distributed a card with services’ contact numbers, and spaces for them to write who their key support people are. We’ve encouraged parents to discuss the issue at home, and step in quickly.”

Students have also written personal “helping hands” pledges to share how they will be reducing the “crowd mentality,” and saying no to bullying and violence within the broader community.

Each pupil wrote their pledge on a paper hand, traced from their own, and these colourful statements are currently displayed on the wall of the library.

“There have been some really beautiful pledges. One of the students has said theirs is to ‘be a voice, not an echo.’ I love that,” Ms Thompson said.

“Use your voice. Standing together, we can affect change. You don’t have to intervene or put yourself in a situation you feel uncomfortable with, but think about what you can do to help, rather than standing there and doing nothing.”

Seventeen-year-old student leader, Alana worked with some year 7 students to “think outside of the square” when it comes to bullying and problem solving.

“We encouraged them to think a little bit deeper about being an upstander,” she said.

“It’s important that everyone feels like they belong here. Inclusivity is something that we take pride and joy in here at Ballarat High, so everyone enjoys coming to school.”