Bullying victims get online counselling

Schools across Queensland are introducing an innovative solution to help primary students cope with a rise in cyber-bullying.

SCHOOLS are introducing virtual counselling services to primary school students to help them cope with rising issues such as cyber-bullying.

Kids Helpline is offering virtual group counselling sessions to thousands of schoolchildren across Queensland with sessions related to online bullying one of the topics most requested by schools and students.

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Kids Helpline virtual services manager Tony FitzGerald said cyber-bullying was clearly a concern among younger children, and it was important they were given strategies to identify and report if they are being harassed.

He said Kids Helpline received thousands of calls each year from children who have been victims of cyber-bullying.

“Cyber-bullying is bullying behaviours that have gone online, and a lot of it may have already been playing out in the schoolyard,” he said.

“More primary school kids are being given mobile devices, and that’s a big change from ten years ago.

“It’s important to get in early and talk about some of the potential pitfalls of being online. It’s not about trying to scare them, but educate them so they can have enjoyable online experiences.”

Moreton Downs State School Year 4 Students Mary-Jane Smith and Aidan Baker taking part in a Kids Helpline video counselling session. Picture: Lachie Millard

Moreton Downs State School deputy principal Greg Tagg said students were really engaged with the virtual sessions.

“Things such as online gaming and social media are developing at such a fast rate it’s really important, and schools and parents are working together to deal with any issues which arise,” he said.

“Kids need to be able to hit the off button and report if it’s happening to them, and at the same time know what to do if they see it happening to one of their friends.”

The Optus Digital Thumbprint with Kids Helpline virtual counselling service is available free to primary school students, with more than 12,000 children taking part in the past 12 months.

Mr FitzGerald said it was created after a rise in children seeking help from the Kids Helpline website.

“The beauty of the program is we can reach any school that has a decent connection to deliver an online session,” Mr FitzGerald said.

“Quite often we get phone calls from kids following sessions who have been encouraged to reach out.”