File photo Queer Straight Alliances and diversity groups are cited among programmes which can help schools overcome bullying, in a new Government produced resource. Bullying Prevention and Response, A Guide for Schools, has been released to mark anti-bullying initiative Pink Shirt Day. It’s the work of the Bullying Prevention Advisory Group, chaired by the Secretary for Education. The resource says “School-based Queer-Straight Alliances / Diversity Groups send a clear message that schools are accepting of difference and supportive of all students and will not accept homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.” It also mentions, in a footnote, that professional development on sexual and gender identity is available through organisations such as Rainbow Youth, Schools Out!, Q-Topia, Q-Youth WaQuY and QSA Network Aotearoa. “Bullying disrupts school life, affects students’ health and wellbeing and directly contributes to poor education and life outcomes,” Education Minister Hekia Parata says. “Many schools are doing a great job tackling it, but this guide provides all schools with practical steps they can take to create a safe and positive environment for their students, and to respond to any bullying incidents that do happen.” The guide features a number of tools for schools to prevent bullying. “A culture of ‘safe telling’ is vital to stopping bullying,” Parata says. “Students, teachers and parents must have the confidence to report incidents, knowing their concerns will be listened to, and responded to, at all times. Real change also happens when students, staff, and parents have input into bullying prevention policies and decide together, to make their school a place of tolerance and respect for all students. “Schools that do best at reducing bullying have a policy defining bullying and how their community will address it. They respond to bullying no matter where it occurs. Many also survey their students on school safety and respond to their concerns.” You can find the resource here
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 23rd May 2014 - 10:53am