Bullies on the back foot

HAMPTON Park Secondary College is tackling the problem of cyber safety and bullying head on.
On Tuesday last week the school ran an anti-cyber bullying information session, which was part of the school’s recent launch of its new school values – respect, working together and learning.
Adolescence health nurse Gina Harrex, who presented the information session, said the talk particularly focussed on the value of respect and the effect bystanders have on bullying.
“Bystanders have a ripple effect,” she said.
“Once somebody starts, others feel more confident to join in or support, and that there will usually be more bystanders than students who are bullying.
“Bystanders have the power to stop bullying.
“Students have been encouraged to refuse to forward emails, texts, photos or links that could harm or hurt someone and block communication with people who threaten, harass and abuse others online and show respect in all their communication online.”
Ms Harrex said the session also reminded the students of the school’s expectations when it came to cyber safety, including having a complex password and not telling others what it is, only looking at appropriate websites and using chat rooms and social media appropriately.