The Australian argues in its recent editorial that the Turnbull government struck a blow for common sense, announcing significant changes to the so-called Safe Schools program.
Bullying, especially cyber bullying, is prevalent in schools unfortunately. And lesbian, gay, transgender and intersex students are among those being tormented to the point of self-harm and, in extreme cases, suicide. Schools need to address the problem in a manner that is age-appropriate and free of perverse ideological agendas.
Senator Birmingham ordered that a role-playing exercise in which students in years 7 and 8 imagined they were same-sex attracted be removed entirely. His department also will prevent activists from using the Safe Schools material to push their own causes and other websites.
Given the sensitivity of the Safe Schools debate, it makes sense that parents should be more engaged. Under the reforms, parent bodies would determine whether the program would occur in their school community and in what form. Parents also would be supplied with fact sheets so they could decide if their child would participate.
Senator Birminghams decision is balanced and has won the backing of his colleagues.
The important issue, as Senator Birmingham said, was about what was best for children - protecting them from bullying and inappropriate classroom content.
