Rapid response teams to combat bullying in Qld schools
Anti-bullying support squads, increased chaplains, and a crisis support hotline will be part of a five-point, $33m plan to target the epidemic in Queensland schools.
QLD News
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Anti-bullying support squads to intervene in bulling at regional schools, increased chaplains, and a crisis support hotline has been welcomed by a primary school principal, who believes the state government’s $33m plan is going to be “responsive.”
Three cabinet ministers including Premier David Crisafulli announced details of the government’s anti-bullying plan at a Brisbane primary school on Tuesday, which includes the establishment of an advisory group chaired by Griffith University professor Donna Pendergast.
The group will be made up of psychiatrists and academics who would advise on further policies to tackle bullying.
Gumdale State School principal Phil Savill said the program would emphasise on early intervention in each different community, but that it was important local businesses and sporting groups were engaged in order to drive change for his students.
He welcomed further support for chaplains who intervened early when there were issues between students.
While a five-point plan, Mr Crisafulli focused on the need for rapid response teams made of high-level professionals based in each educational region, who would mentor both teachers and students when issues flared.
He vowed the Fly In Fly Out teams nor the advisory group would push bureaucratic agenda onto experienced teachers and on communities with their unique voices.
“I don’t want Brisbane imparting its knowledge on a community in western Queensland, that’s for them to decide when they’ve called in that group,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“It’s got to be about local communities taking control, and at the heart of that, students being held accountable for their behaviour, but also being part of that change.”
Originally published as Rapid response teams to combat bullying in Qld schools
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