A comprehensive plan to tackle bullying in Queensland schools will not only benefit students but is also a key part of reducing classroom assaults according to Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP.

Since being announced, the program has received support from Dolly’s Dream, the charity founded following the tragic impact that an extended period of bullying had on Dolly Everett.

“When we spoke about making Queensland safer in the lead up to the election, we committed to a range of programs,” Mr Last said.  “It’s a sad fact that, in the last 10 years, we have seen behavioural issues and classroom assaults skyrocket, and this program is about bolstering support for kids, parents and schools-on.”

“A dedicated squad will be established in each of the 8 regions that make up Education Queensland to ensure all schools have access to on the ground expertise.  If necessary, those squads can fly into regional and remote schools because, to get the best results, access to this program cannot be limited by distance.”

“Those squads will offer family support, mental health assistance and professional development for staff and will be made up of 3 senior guidance officers and support staff.  That means that, in addition to tackling bullying as it happens, we will also improve skills in schools to prevent and address any future bullying.”

“There is updated professional development resources for teachers and a dedicated crisis support line for parents and carers to access free and confidential counselling.  We have lost too many young lives to bullying and we need everyone to play their part in making our schools a safe place for every student.”

Mr Last said the program would evolve over time to ensure that any future trends or issues were addressed and the program stayed relevant and effective.

“The Anti-Bullying Stakeholder Reference Group will be led by Professor Donna Pendergrast AM and will provide advice and guidance on further support measures that we can introduce as well as reviewing the program,” Mr Last said.  “You only have to look at how cyber-bullying has increased with the spread of technology to understand that we need to be able to adapt what we do to achieve the best results.”

“While the Reference Group will bring together experts, it will also engage directly with teachers, school staff and parents to ensure that real experiences are factored into any decisions that are made.  Research is important but we are literally talking about people’s lives when we talk about bullying so engagement with real people is an absolute necessity.”

“The approach is quite broad in some ways because it includes additional student wellbeing staff and increased funding for school chaplains as well as the response squads, updated training and the crisis support hotline.  We are leaving no stone un-turned when it comes to putting the spotlight on bullying and taking real action.”

“The message to victims and their families, as well as teachers, is that support is available, and we are with you in fighting to end bullying.  The Crisafulli government has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, and we are delivering this nation-leading program as a first step in tackling it.”