Minister calls on clever kids to teach her lessons on fighting cyber-bullying
SIXTEEN students from across the state have been hand-picked to be Education Minister Grace Grace’s Ministerial Student Advisory Council, with one of their top priorities to help tackle the scourge of cyber-bullying.
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SIXTEEN students from across the state have been hand-picked to be Education Minister Grace Grace’s “eyes and ears” on the ground in classrooms.
Ms Grace has appointed the group of Year 7 to 12 students as her Ministerial Student Advisory Council and declared one of their top priorities is to help tackle the scourge of cyber-bullying.
The teenagers met for the first time in Brisbane yesterday to discuss the issue with Madonna King, chair of the Premier’s taskforce on cyber-bullying.
Student representative Jesleen Patel said the group called for schools to be more frank and unflinching in the discussions they have with students around issues like cyber-bullying and youth suicide.
“Bullying is a big issue with distressing outcomes and consequences but students sometimes fail to understand that because it is sugar-coated and made nicer than it really is,” said the Year 9 student from Cairns State High School.
Ms Patel said the group decided anti-bullying and suicide awareness talks should also incorporate the voices of young people, who have experienced the issues first-hand.
They also discussed creating a campaign focusing on the role of the bystander in perpetuating bullying and in the need to redefine the term bullying, so it is taken more seriously.
Ms Grace said it was important for students to have their voices heard on major education issues.
“These students will be my eyes and ears in Queensland classrooms and playgrounds and I’ll be seeking their views on how we can improve their learning experience,” she said.
The group will meet again in September.
If you or anyone you know is feeling depressed, suicidal or in need of support you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
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