National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

TODAY is the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence with the community encouraged to show kindness in line with this year’s theme of building a ‘kindness culture’ for children and young people to live a life of belonging, respect and inclusion.

A number of local schools are getting behind the day, encouraging students to wear orange to recognise the significance of the day and educating children on the importance of being kind to one another.

Bullying. No Way! Is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative, which this year celebrates 12 years of action. Bullying prevention can start at any age and the Government-backed program has a range of online resources for children, parents, guardians, and schools to access online at www.bullyingnoway.gov.au, including a new animation series ‘Be kind online’ which tackles the growing concern around cyberbullying.

With over half of Australian parents considering bullying and cyberbullying to be a major health concern for their children, Triple P Positive Parenting experts highlight the importance that parents are given the right support to help their children.

Triple P International, Country Director, Carol Markie-Dadds, said building your child’s emotional and social development is key to creating this positive culture and beating the bullying cycle.

“It’s important that parents are given the right support to develop their children’s pro-social behaviours to prevent and respond to bullying behaviours,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.

“Children may encounter bullying in different ways – they may experience it themselves, be involved, or see it happening, and sometimes a combination,” she said.

“If your child is experiencing bullying, it’s important not to ignore what they’re telling you – create a positive, safe environment by calmly listening and encouraging them to describe exactly what has happened.”

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, with the support of Queensland Government funding, is an internationally-acclaimed parenting program which is offered free to all Queensland parents and carers of children up to 16 years of age.

Queensland parents and carers can register for free Raising Resilient Children online seminars with a focus on cyberbullying at www.triplep-parenting.net/cyberbullying, or access online, 24/7 parenting programs; Fear-Less Triple P Online, Triple P Online, and Teen Triple P Online, plus a guide to parenting during COVID-19, at www.triplep-parenting.net.au

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