Students square up to cyber bullies

THE bully you can’t see could be the most harmful of all, just ask St Peter’s College students who last week completed a cyber bullying workshop.
The whole-school bullying and harassment workshop on Friday had a particular focus on cyber bullying and its potential dangers.
In the workshop, students explored the long-term repercussions of cyber bullying particularly on popular social network pages such as My Space and Facebook.
The students learnt about the damage that gossip, negative comments and abuse could cause.
Student welfare co-ordinator Nadia Picinali said it was important that the college curriculum at the Cranbourne school incorporated social skills and “netiquette” in order to help reduce cyber bullying and keep students safe when online.
“At St Peter’s we believe that we need to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all members of our community because all human beings are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect,” Ms Picinali said.
To achieve this, the school has developed a whole-school approach to managing bullying through the curriculum and teaching.
A 2004 National Coalition Against Bullying survey of 13,000 girls aged 12 to 15 revealed 42 per cent had been intimidated or defamed online or through text messages.
Year 11 home room teacher Mona Esmaty said cyber bullying was one of the greatest issues facing young people and their families today.
“We need to ensure that the young people in our communities are aware of their rights and responsibilities when online.”