BALLARAT High School students are being encouraged to say, \u2018no way,\u2019 to bullying for life, ahead of tomorrow\u2019s National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s by calling it out, diffusing a situation, or seeking outside help from a trusted adult.<\/p>\n
School psychologist and mental health practitioner Shannon Thompson said BHS is a community where kindness, empathy, inclusivity, and \u201cupstander behaviour\u201d is most valued.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe student wellbeing team distributed a card with services\u2019 contact numbers, and spaces for them to write who their key support people are. We\u2019ve encouraged parents to discuss the issue at home, and step in quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Students have also written personal \u201chelping hands\u201d pledges to share how they will be reducing the \u201ccrowd mentality,\u201d and saying no to bullying and violence within the broader community.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere have been some really beautiful pledges. One of the students has said theirs is to \u2018be a voice, not an echo.\u2019 I love that,\u201d Ms Thompson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cUse your voice. Standing together, we can affect change. You don\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Seventeen-year-old student leader, Alana worked with some year 7 students to \u201cthink outside of the square\u201d when it comes to bullying and problem solving.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe encouraged them to think a little bit deeper about being an upstander,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BALLARAT High School students are being encouraged to say, \u2018no way,\u2019 to bullying for life, ahead of tomorrow\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n