Aussies asked to stand up to bullying on Facebook

2 Nov 2012, 7:51 pm   -   Source: AAP
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(AAP)

(AAP)

Facebook users are being encouraged to get behind a new national anti-cyber bullying campaign asking bystanders to help prevent bullying.

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Facebook users are being encouraged to get behind a new national anti-cyber bullying campaign asking bystanders to help prevent bullying.

The federal government has teamed up with Facebook, youth mental health group Headspace and Project Rocket to launch the new campaign, titled Be Bold and Stop Bullying, on Friday.

Through a Facebook app, it will encourage Australia's 11 million-plus users, including parents, teachers and youth, to take a pledge to stand up against bullying.

The app features a "heat map", showing how many other people are following the campaign across the nation, resources for parents and teachers on ways to prevent bullying, and tips for users to create anti-bullying groups of their own.

Headspace CEO Chris Tanti said the effects of bullying on mental health were serious and had long-term consequences.

"Whether bullying happens online or face to face there's usually someone else who sees it happens," he said in a statement on Friday.

Federal Education Minister Peter Garrett said it was hoped the app would equip schools with the tools to create a safe learning environment for children.

"We want every school in the country to have a safe school plan in place which details how they will tackle bullying," he said in a statement.

"However, all of these tools, which valuable, will only be effective if everyone works together to stand up and address bullying."

Facebook , Bullying

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Your Comments

A new low

Berengere - from Coogee, 7 months ago

An app to replace basic standard education?? This country is reaching a new low! Head to the playground, the park, the beach and you'll quickly discover that toddlers are not told the basic common rules to live, play, be together, often it looks like the parents don't even know them! And please don't give an excuse to those yummie mamas addicted to their 4WD and iPhones not to look after their child directly! A phone is a phone! Not an educator! No need to bring the 10 commandments in, the religious aspect will freak out many who don't even realize the 10 commandments are the actual basis of the rules to live in a secular society...

Ms

Maryann Hine - from Brisbane, 7 months ago

We have to be very careful to teach our Aussie kids that it's not OK to stand up against bullying in SOME countries. Jock Palfreeman, for example, stood up against bullying to help two Romas (gypsies) who were being attacked by a large gang of upper class racist Bulgarians and got himself sent to Sofia Prison in Bulgaria for 20 years. The Australian government is powerless to help him. He was 21 at the time. He's already been in there for 5 years. Visit www.jockpalfreeman.com to help Jock.

One step further

Dieter Fischer - from Para Hills, Adeladie, 7 months ago

If we would teach our children once again the 10 Commandments, may be cyber bullying would be less of a problem. If you love God, you love your neighbour. Love does not bully or hurt. Love is the strongest force on earth. Back to the bible please!

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