Schools fight cyber bullies

A GROUP of schools in the City of Casey are among the first in the state to sign up for a program which helps tackle cyberbullying.
Some 11 schools in the City of Casey have signed up for the State Government funded $10.5 million eSmart cyberbullying program which was created by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
Each school will receive $2000 each to help them implement the program, which will provide students with practical tips about behaving safely and appropriately online. South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich said she welcomed the number of Casey schools that had joined up to tackle cyberbullying.
“There is a real commitment from these schools to stamping out bullying and creating safe places where students can learn and support each other,” she said.
“eSmart will play a key role in delivering on the Baillieu Government’s commitment to stamp out bullying, combat violence in schools and provide students and parents with the support they need.”
Education Minister Martin Dixon said so far 290 Victorian Government schools and 108 Catholic and independent schools have registered to be part of the program.
Mr Dixon said he was confident eSmart would provide students with practical tips about behaving safely and appropriately online.
The Baillieu Government has also provided $4 million over four years to review and update bullying policies and programs for Victorian government schools.