Say NO to Bullying!

Bullying is any unwelcome behavior that causes offence, fear, harm, or shame.

Morayfield State High School does not tolerate bullying. It is in direct conflict with our value of “respect for ourselves and others”.

Did you know that about 18 % of students in high schools will endure bullying. That means about one in five students are being bullied. As a school community we want this to stop. “We say NO to bullying!”

"Say No to Bullying Day" is the 31st of May 2007.

What is bullying?

• Teasing, calling names or making rude signs
• Telling rude jokes or making nasty comments
• Displaying offensive images or graffiti
• Staring or ogling
• Following someone home from school
• Pestering someone to go out with you
• Tripping, punching or any other unwanted physical contact
• Damaging others’ possessions with the intent to intimidate
• Making threats to a person’s safety
• Patting, pinching or touching any person without permission
• Sending offensive messages in writing, by telephone or e-mail
• Gesturing to, whistling at, or making sexual comments about a person or group
• Spreading rumours about someone or a group of people

Bullying can happen just about anywhere and to any one. Although not always intentional, bullying can result in some very unpleasant things…

What sort of unpleasant things can being bullied do to a person?

• Cause them physical pain or disability
• Cause depression, anxiety and low self esteem - even suicidal thoughts.
• Affect study and work performance
• Cause absenteeism or leaving school
• Cause early leaving or change from subjects or activities that would be fun or interesting
• Discourage participation in school and life
  

If you are a bully, the unpleasant consequences from the school are

• Having to explain your actions to the principal
• Possibly being suspended or excluded

If you are bullying someone remember it is against the law. You could be

• Charged with assault, harassing phone calls or stalking.
• As well as being charged, you could be cautioned by police , sent to court and even jail.

…and you thought being grounded for a month and a suspension was bad?

What if… I am being bullied?

• Stop: the unsafe behavior by being ‘loud and clear’ about what you want to happen.
• Think: about your own safety, think about the safety of others, and think about your ability to get help and be safe.
• Do: report the bullying to the school office who will ensure something is done. Do tell the school based police officer and your parents, and do seek assistance or advice from others such as Kids Help Line.
  

Tips from the Constable Crystal Moore on how to help yourself if you are being bullied

1. Say I don’t care what you think
2. Talk to friends and parents. Think of non violent solutions
3. Tell the bully to leave you alone and walk away
4. Try ignoring the bully
5. Avoid the bully
6. Find friends that you feel safe with and hang out with them
7. Speak to one of the peer support team.
8. Speak to the school based police officer or if you feel safer email confidentially by the link to the school based police officer.
9. Go to the office and report the bullying on an incident report form.
10. Become more involved with the school, eg. School musical or library helper
11. Stay away from the places where you might be bullied
10. Tell a teacher or an adult you trust about the bullying.
13. Don’t show you are scared, even though you may be. Act confidently.