LAST Tuesday at Wallan Primary School (WPS), students watched a short video featuring motivational tips to encourage bystanders to speak up against bullying.
Previously grade five and six students formed think tanks when they worked with Blue Light Victoria Facilitator, Sandra Cameron.
Across term two Ms Cameron visited the school and engaged the students in activities and discussions to create more awareness around bullying and across term three the students developed their ideas into a short video.
After the video’s premier, guest speakers from the Victorian Police Force fielded questions.
Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer (ACLO) Eric Egan and Multicultural Liaison Officer Leigh Johnson, from Eastern Division 3 shared experiences that have shaped them and challenged them.
“Never give up! Be kind to each other,” Mr Egan said.
Leading Senior Constable Johnson said that at any time in anyone’s life, even those who have a history of being mean, they can change and from there go on to be that person who uses their courage to stop bullying.
“We all have the power to say; this is not right! this is not on,” he said.
“In my time I have seen the negative effects of bullying and it is heartbreaking.
“I’ve seen some very inappropriate conversations in chat rooms and on social media and I’ve seen people be verbally bullied..but the offenders say; I didn’t touch them.
“It is just as bad!
“I’ve seen young people who have been harassed physically and emotionally, isolated and singled out for humiliation, and sadly, affecting a young persons health and wellbeing.”
Local Rotarians, Angelina Cirelli-Solamone, Noel Baker and Phil Clancy also shared their pre– recorded advice, so did Andrew Morrison, Kirstie Roberts, and Wallan women’s basketballer, Ranika Guyton.
The DASH program included $1000 in funding for the school to use and the students handed out wristbands they had had made up which read; Speak up for the better.
In term four, the screening will be shared with the school’s community and also feature a guest speaker.
