Bullying is a pandemic in schools around the globe. When it’s the question of kids’ physical, emotional and psychological well-being, there is absolutely no room for compromise and leniency. This realization is clearly the driving force behind Australia’s National Day for Action against Bullying and Violence, a day when schools and parents actively raise awareness of the issue that’s endangering the healthy growth of children. Making the most of the opportunity, students from Launceston’s Brooks High School in Tasmania, Australia, spread their voice against bullying beyond the walls of their school, raising awareness on how to prevent bullying and encouraging people to get involved.

Bullying is not okay, anywhere and at anytime

Whether done online or offline, bullying remains an unacceptable act due to its implications for the victims. Just because it’s nothing unusual doesn’t make it okay. Chelsea Harding, a Launceston’s Brooks High School student involved in National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence activities, rightly states that it takes nothing more than one tiny word to affect someone’s mind and life forever. The emotional and psychological effects of bullying are nothing short of life-shattering and have the potential to bring lives to a sudden halt. There may be several ways to stop bullying, but they haven’t been explored that vigorously by parents, school authorities and governments due to the misconception that it’s part of growing up. Irrespective of the age, type and medium, bullying is not okay and standing up to it is not a choice, it’s a necessity.

The strong voice and inspiring stand of the victims

In order to disarm bullying, the victims need to regain their confidence and speak up. Sharing their experience, hurt, and the way they managed to bring the torment to an end can serve as inspiration for countless teens who find themselves in a similar situation. Olivia Restall tried to do just that on National Day for Action against Bullying and Violence. The Brooks High School student had once been a victim of bullying. Now, she wants to play a role in protecting others from hurt that she suffered. Therefore, she actively participated in raising awareness on bullying by helping in handing out support information and wristbands at a local shopping centre. Restall feels that parents and educators have a significant role to play in curbing the menace of bullying. While victims can contribute to the fight against it, they cannot combat it on their own.

School authorities can spread the message far and wide

The National Day of Action strongly focuses on the role of schools in dealing with the issue of bullying and understandably so. By creating and promoting an atmosphere of acceptance and showing zero tolerance towards bullying, they can discourage the behavior to the extent where it ceases to have a significant effect on the well-being of kids. It’s important for the school administrators to deal with complaints of bullying n a constructive manner, so that the punishment leads to a desirable change in the offender. Organizing events, introducing in-class activities, and holding discussions on physical and mental abuse, along with its effects on the victims can help students understand the issue better and make an effort on their own to bring it down. Fortunately, many schools have already realized the importance of their role in combating bullying. On this year’s National Day of Action, over 2100 schools and 960,000 students across Australia make efforts in one way or another to raise awareness.

National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence may be an ideal day for raising voice against bullying, but what parents and schools need to realize is that it’s not enough. A year-round effort is required if the students are to be liberated from the clutches of physical, emotional and psychological abuse hovering for good.

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-22/brooks-high-school-students27-fight-against-bullying/5338622