Helensvale State High School hires security following bullying backlash
A Gold Coast high school has taken the extraordinary step of hiring a private security company after backflash from angry parents over a bullying scandal.
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A Gold Coast high school has taken the extraordinary step of hiring a private security company after backflash from angry parents over a bullying scandal.
Helensvale State High School has hired the security company on the back of growing disquiet over a bullying incident.
A young girl was told to kill herself in a vicious spray by two teen girls on a social media platform. It was allegedly the climax of a horrific bullying incident directed at one student.
The backlash the school received was immense, including a misguided threat to the Helensvale primary school down the road and an online backlash that had the finger pointed directly at the administration and Education Department.
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The school was also forced to cancel a P&C meeting that was going to discuss the incident and bullying inside the school.
Education Minister Grace Grace yesterday confirmed the school had hired a private security company to patrol the school.
“The safety and security of students, teachers and support staff at our schools is our top priority,” Ms Grace said.
“I am advised that, as a precautionary measure implemented with the support of local police, the principal at Helensvale State High School has arranged for additional security at the school this week.
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“I support action taken by principals to ensure their school is secure. I am advised that the principal of Helensvale State High has communicated with parents and carers about the precautionary measures she has taken to ensure her school is as secure as possible.”
Following questions sent to the Education Department, the school sent out a text to parents yesterday afternoon.
“Dear parents and carers, you may have noticed an increased police and security presence around our school in recent days. I want to reassure you that this is purely a proactive measure and is not in response to any specific current threat,” the text read.
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Ms Grace said the Government was taking a tough stance on bullying.
“Bullying is not tolerated in state schools, or anywhere. We want all Queensland kids to feel safe and secure when they are at school.
“I urge anyone who feels they are being bullied at school to report it to their principal.
“The Palaszczuk Government has been driving action to address bullying. We are investing $3.5 million to protect young Queenslanders and implement the recommendations from the Queensland anti-cyber-bullying taskforce.
“This includes $2 million over two years to develop and rollout community awareness and education campaigns.
“The Department of Education has also developed a student learning and wellbeing framework which outlines the policies and procedures to assist schools in creating safe and supportive school environments.”
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