Tackling bullying head on with virtual event

Kids Helpline @ School’s Bullying – it stops with you session will take place on Friday, August 16, as a virtual live-stream session across the nation focussing on supporting high school students.

yourtown CEO Ms Tracy Adams said the upcoming virtual event was their most ambitious yet, with Kids Helpline @ School seeking to unite high schools across Australia on the same day as one big national classroom.

“With more than 20,000 students already registered there is still time for high schools to take advantage of this major event,” she said. “Students will gain knowledge and tools to overcome adversity related to physical or online bullying, it’s all about early intervention and prevention.”

Bullying is a sad reality for far too many young people across Australia. In fact, Australian teens face the second highest level of bullying among 24 OECD countries.

It is time for a change, which is why yourtown is proud to share the launch of Kids Helpline’s Largest Anti-Bullying Lesson.

This free event is being held during Bullying No Way Week, the 45-minute session is based off Kids Helpline @ School’s popular ‘Bullying: It ends with us’ topic.

“We thank Bupa Foundation for their ongoing generous support of Kids Helpline @ School,” Ms Adams said. “As our principal partner of Kids Helpline @ School, this latest initiative is will support students understand what is bullying, what its impacts are, practical in-the-moment responses, as well as how to look after themselves and others.

Kids Helpline is dedicated to helping young people navigate the challenges they face, including bullying.

Last year alone, bullying accounted for five per cent of Kids Helpline’s counselling sessions, while friend and peer relationships, which often involve elements of conflict and bullying, accounted for 10 per cent of counselling sessions.

It is important to remember – bullying can be harmful for mental health. When young people reach out to Kids Helpline, they know they are getting quality mental health support they can trust, with every single counsellor a university qualified, paid professional (not a volunteer). Kids Helpline counsellors are specialists in helping young people.

Kids Helpline is here anytime and for any reason. If young people want to talk to someone, they can call Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or use WebChat or email services www.kidshelpline.com.au

Virtual Event details:

Where: Vimeo live-stream it in your own classroom!

Who: suitable for all high school grades

Cost: it is free

Can’t make it on the day? A recording and exclusive resources will be made available to all registrants following the live session!

https://schools.kidshelpline.com.au/schools/home/sessions/high-school/anti-bullying-event

Why we are taking a stand this Bullying No Way Week…

• Australian teens face the second highest level of bullying among 24 OECD countries.

• 85% of teens told Kids Helpline they’ve experienced bullying.

• 1 in 10 contacts to Kids Helpline last year were related to friendship and peer-related concerns.