Troubling statistics recently released by the Victorian Education Department shows that students in government schools in country areas are far more likely to be bullied than those in the city.
The statistics show that almost one in five students aged between grade 5 and year 9 at government schools in Shepparton have been bullied.
Deputy Leader of The Nationals, Steph Ryan said, “I am deeply concerned by the results of this report. Along with the emotional effects, studies have also shown that students targeted by bullying are left behind when it comes to learning outcomes.
“School principals need more support from the government to help them take action against serial bullies, including expulsion of serial bullies who do not improve their behaviour after repeated warnings and who put safety and welfare of other students at risk.”
These statistics arrive on the back of a recent survey conducted by youth service, ReachOut that shows up to 380,000 young people were cyberbullied in Australia last year.
If you think that your child is being bullied, speak to your school straight away. For further information, visit www.parents.au.reachout.com
