Schools stand up to bullies, North Central Review

STUDENTS in Mitchell Shire are taking a stance against bullying. Seymour College, Tooborac Primary School, Pyalong Primary School and Wandong Primary School are among 20 successful applicants of a State Government Bully Stopper grant. Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said each of the schools have developed innovative projects focused on cyberbullying and the theme of Being Cool Online or Speaking Up Against Cyberbullying. Ms Symes said some projects will see schools working together to achieve outcomes for students. Bullying affects up to one in five young people, and the internet and social media means it can happen anywhere and anytime, she said. Curriculum materials developed by schools as part of their projects will be added to the Bully Stoppers website to ensure all teachers and students benefit from each experience. The projects put forward by our teachers and students are innovative and thoughtful and they will help make life for kids and parents better, Ms Symes said. More than $63,000 has been awarded to Northern Victoria schools in the latest round of funding.