Anti-Bullying Programs

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-98190

Hansard session: Fifty-Sixth Parliament, First Session (56-1)

Anti-Bullying Programs

Business resumed.

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Mr JAMES GRIFFIN (Manly) (11:27:36):

As I said earlier, it is my pleasure to speak on the motion relating to National Buddy Day and Anti-Bullying. Our schools remain one of the most secure and trusted public institutions in our community. Following my earlier comments about what this Government has already undertaken, I understand that the Minister for Education has directed the Department of Education to develop an updated anti-bullying strategy. We aim to release this strategy to schools in term three of 2017. This new resource will be a complete package of information for schools, students and parents to address bullying in schools. The development of these resources is ongoing and the development process has seen consultation with mental health, anti-bullying and stakeholder groups. This will continue over the next month and beyond.

We will not stop there. We will continue to listen to stakeholders and amend the resources over time, when necessary, to ensure that we get this right. An important aspect of this new resource is that it will include a significant expansion of the Youth Aware of Mental Health program. The Youth Aware of Mental Health program is an evidence-based, wellbeing mental health and suicide prevention program for young people aged 14 to 16. We must remember that the whole purpose of this resource is supporting students who may be struggling as well as moving towards stopping bullying in our schools altogether. I am reminded of the good work of the Beyond A Joke Anti-Bullying Centre in Dee Why in my electorate whose aim is to prevent bullying by creating a domino effect of kindness. The centre aims to encourage all participants to join support groups and volunteer training programs, which in essence is what this important day is about. It has been my pleasure to speak in support of the motion of the member for Holsworthy. I commend the good work of the foundation and Buddy Day.

Mr DAVID HARRIS (Wyong) (11:30:00):

I also support the motion of the member for Holsworthy, and I congratulate her on moving a motion that addresses the important issue of bullying not just in schools but also across society. I speak from the position of having been a primary schoolteacher and a primary school principal for 18 years. I know that the foundation of any good school is an inclusive policy that welcomes and celebrates the individuality of all students. That foundation is built on an emotional intelligence base. There are two sorts of intelligence—the intelligence quotient [IQ] and the emotional quotient [EQ]. Latest research clearly indicates that EQ is the foundation of good learning outcomes because if students do not have peace of mind, resilience and self-worth they do not become good learners.

Any policy or approach to address bullying must have a strong emotional intelligence program. A good emotional intelligence program is built around helping students to understand their different emotions. Young people not only learn about the world as they grow older but also learn about themselves. They learn that in some ways they are the same as other people and in some ways they are different. They also learn that how they deal with issues is different from how others deal with them. A good school-based emotional intelligence program encourages students to speak about and explore how they deal with normal emotions such as frustration, anger and jealousy.

I have had discussions with Dr John Irvine, and after those discussions I put Dr Irvine in contact with ClubsNSW, which has supported establishing in all Central Coast schools a program called WorryWoos which is designed to develop the emotional intelligence of students from kindergarten to year 12. The member for Terrigal is nodding in agreement because he attended the launch of the program. Unfortunately, I was in Tamworth at the time celebrating the opening of girls' academies with the member for Tamworth, who made a good speech at Tamworth High School. WorryWoos is about making sure that we support our students not just academically but also emotionally. WorryWoos is one example of these programs. When I was a school principal, I was a big supporter of Project ACHIEVE, which encompasses the You Can Do It! program.

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This program encourages students to excel across a range of social and academic areas. We know that social and academic areas are interlinked because if a student's social areas are going well a student achieves well academically. I am also a big supporter of a program called The Leader in Me, which is based on by Stephen Covey. Every school has its own program, such as the Buddy Program and Buddy Bears. Each school chooses the program that is best for its students. I note that programs should address not just the bullies but also those who stand on the sidelines. They must be inclusive of all the different aspects of bullying.

Mr ADAM CROUCH (Terrigal) (11:34:20):

At the outset of my contribution to the debate on the motion on Buddy Day and anti-bullying moved by the member for Holsworthy I acknowledge the outstanding work of that fantastic local member, who is obviously a caring and sensitive member of Parliament. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable in public schools in New South Wales. There are many reasons for bullying, such as someone being overweight or the colour of someone's skin or someone's ethnic background, but there is no excuse for this sort of behaviour. As mentioned in a previous contribution to this debate, the Central Coast has taken a fantastic step forward in tackling bullying. I was pleased to be at the Mingara Recreation Club with Dr John Irvine for the launch of the WorryWoos program.

Dr John Irvine is world renowned for his work with young children and helping them to deal with issues that arise from bullying. I give full credit to Mingara and ClubsNSW for assisting with the rollout of funding for the WorryWoos program into public schools on the Central Coast. I am delighted that the Central Coast is leading the way on this program. The launch of the program was well attended by principals from every school among the more than 300 people at the function. Mingara generously sponsored the function at which I was privileged to speak. I was a victim of bullying at high school and I believe that very few of us were not a victim of bullying at some time in our lives. I am pleased that the WorryWoos program will assist children who are the victims of bullying.

Students and parents should be able to expect that schools are a place where they can feel safe. Schools remain one of the most secure and trusted public institutions in our communities, and that is no more evident than in the fantastic schools across the Central Coast. The New South Wales Department of Education has undertaken considerable work in recent years to assist public schools to take a proactive approach to bullying behaviour. All New South Wales schools are required to develop anti-bullying plans and include prevention, early intervention and response strategies. I highlight that the WorryWoos program is run in conjunction with the Council of Parents and Citizens Associations on the Central Coast and I acknowledge the great work of Sharryn Brownlee and her team. This has been a collaborative effort across the Central Coast that has included school principals, ClubsNSW, Mingara and the Council of Parents and Citizens Associations. Our parents and citizens associations have played a great role in this program, as have school principals and Dr John Irvine.

A number of private schools are taking part in the program because, unfortunately, private schools are not immune from bullying behaviours. Many private schools were quick to pick up the baton of WorryWoos. I believe WorryWoos is a great starter program. Schools must choose the program that is appropriate to them because not every program fits perfectly into every school. I hope that Dr John Irvine's great work is rolled out into schools in other parts of New South Wales following the trial of the program on the Central Coast. I acknowledge that there is a lot more to do in supporting our schools in responding to bullying behaviours and I again acknowledge the member for Holsworthy for bringing this important motion before the House.

Mr DARYL MAGUIRE (Wagga Wagga) (11:38:30

): Every member of this House should acknowledge and support this important motion on Buddy Day and anti-bullying moved by the member for Holsworthy. We all know that bullying is unacceptable in the workplace and, more importantly, in our schools. Students and parents expect schools to be a place where students can feel safe. Schools should remain one of the most trusted public institutions in our communities. I am delighted that our Government has seen fit to increase funding to address bullying in our schools. There is much more to be done, but our Liberal-Nationals Government has provided $6.1 million in new funding for a range of professional development initiatives to help build the capacity of our much-respected teachers to prevent bullying behaviours.

There is also funding to significantly expand the Youth Aware Mental Health Program. These investments should be and will be welcomed by the school community, parents and students as well as every member of this House. Since we came to government, the New South Wales Department of Education has done a lot of work to assist public schools to implement strategies to prevent bullying. I understand the Minister directed the department to develop an updated anti-bullying strategy with the aim of releasing a strategy in term three of 2017. The Minister for Education understands how important it is to provide a safe environment for our students and to reassure parents that the Government is taking seriously the issue of bullying and is funding those policies to the tune of $6.1 million in new funding.

Leading academics will oversee the work of the Department of Education: Professor Ian Hickie, AM, from the University of Sydney, Professor Donna Cross from the University of Western Australia, and Professor Rosemary Johnston from the University of Technology Sydney. These eminent people will assist and oversee the Department of Education to ensure that we are proactive in providing a safe and happy place for children at school. An education is the greatest gift we can give a child. Learning does not cease when a person leaves school. We learn all our lives—and if we do not learn something new every day we should aim to do so. It is important to provide an environment in which students in the early years are happy to go to school, feel involved and want to learn. Stamping out bullying through this initiative is welcomed by all.

Mr GARETH WARD (Kiama) (11:42:50):

By leave: I acknowledge in the Speaker's gallery Jessica Gnata from the Port Kembla community who is my guest in Parliament today. I was given the great honour by Premier Berejiklian to serve as the Parliamentary Secretary for Education. The Minister for Education, Rob Stokes, who is not only a colleague but also a close friend, asked me to work on a couple of areas, one of which is the school bullying reforms that this Government is seeking to introduce. As the member for Wagga Wagga indicated, $6.1 million will be made available in this budget to address anti‑bullying and school bullying reforms and measures. I thank my friend the member for Holsworthy for moving this motion today, and I am grateful for the spirit of bipartisanship in the discussion of school bullying.

I was bullied at school. Many members of this House would have endured school bullying for different reasons. In schools children are bullied for all sorts of reasons. In my case, I was bullied because I was different; I looked different and I had a disability. Many children at schools across New South Wales are bullied for a variety of reasons. They are bullied because they come from an ethnically diverse background or the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex [LGBTI] community. They are bullied because they are Aboriginal or have a disability. All of this bullying is unacceptable because it makes children feel less worthy or less able than others. Bullying means that children in those environments do not necessarily excel as they should—indeed, it affects their mental health and wellbeing. In tragic instances across the State there have been horrifying examples of what happens as a result of school bullying, including the tragedy of students taking their own lives. I am aware of such incidents in my electorate.

School bullying no longer stops at the school gate. It can come up on children's phones and follow them anywhere they go, right into their homes, which makes it even harder to deal with. All of this is unacceptable. Bullying for any reason in our schools is unacceptable. Schools are our safest places in many respects. We must ensure that teachers and schools have the right resources to deal with school bullying—not just in the aftermath but also by being proactive. We need to ensure that we address the behaviour of bullies—the people who are actively engaging in this behaviour—to try to make sure that they do not take those sorts of behaviours into the workplace and into later life. That is why I am proud to be involved with this program, which will ensure that teachers and parents are armed with the resources they require to address school bullying.

I have asked the department to ensure that when this resource is made publicly available it will be available to all. In the past there have been resources on websites that sometimes are not accessible to all. I want everyone to know how they can address school bullying, regardless of its origins and, indeed, its outcome. Everyone can do something about school bullying; I know that all members in this Chamber will want to address it. The intention of this resource is to have one guiding objective: that every student should be given every opportunity to excel and that every school should be free of school bullying. Members have spoken quite eloquently about school bullying action plans and about what our teachers are doing to address school bullying.

This overriding resource will deal with all the different reasons for school bullying. It will provide lesson plans on how teachers can use resources to address issues. Indeed, we are engaging some of the leading academics in these areas. Some of them have already been mentioned, including Professor Ian Hickie from the University of Sydney, Professor Donna Cross from the University of Western Australia and Rosemary Johnston from the University of Technology Sydney. They will provide advice, but I have also been given the job of engaging stakeholders. I make the offer to anyone who wishes to speak with me about these resources that anyone from any part of the education sphere, or indeed the community, can have a say. I will continue to consult with those groups until the release of this resource. When I became the Parliamentary Secretary for Education I wanted to do a number of things. One of them was to ensure that children who walk the same path that I did have an easier path. If the one thing I can do is to give kids who walked my path an easier journey it will be a job well done.

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (11:47:35):

By leave: I was thrilled to hear that this motion would be moved in the House and I acknowledge the outstanding work of the member for Holsworthy in moving the motion. I heard her passionate speech as well as the speeches of the member for Terrigal and my good friend the member for Kiama. Bullying of any kind—whether on the school playground or through social media—is unacceptable in New South Wales schools, be they public, private or independent. People are bullied because they are overweight or part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex community. People are bullied because of the colour of their skin, their background or religious beliefs, or for any other reason. But bullying is not acceptable. Students and parents should expect schools to be a safe place. They are the most secure and trusted public institutions in our State and our community.

Over the years considerable work has been done by the New South Wales Department of Education to assist schools across the State to take a proactive approach to bullying behaviour. All New South Wales public schools are required to develop anti-bullying plans that include prevention, early intervention and response strategies. I note the great work of some of the schools in my electorate that put together an anti-bullying program. However, there is more to do to support schools responding to bullying. The introduction of social media—Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube—has changed the nature of bullying in recent years. The Department of Education is adapting to that and has developed an updated anti-bullying strategy that will be released to schools in term three of this year.

The strategy will bring together resources and information for schools, students, parents and school counsellors. New resources are in development in consultation with mental health and anti-bullying stakeholders across the State. That will continue over the next month and beyond. It is important for the Department of Education to look continuously at updating its anti-bullying policy because of social media. Today it is Facebook, Twitter and WeChat but tomorrow it may be something else. This year's budget provides more than $6 million in new funding for a range of professional development initiatives. I thank the member for Holsworthy for moving this motion.

Mr DAMIEN TUDEHOPE (Epping) (11:51:32):

By leave: I congratulate the member for Holsworthy on moving this motion. She is the chair of the Committee on Children and Young People, which recently conducted an inquiry into the sexualisation of children and young people. The committee heard a significant number of horrifying stories about the ways in which children are exposed to bullying behaviours through sexting and other technological means. Recently we were discussing the incidence of youth suicide in the community and the strategies that ought to be adopted to reduce youth suicide. It is no secret that I am opposed to the Safe Schools anti-bullying program.

One of the reasons I opposed it was that it diminished the significance of bullying. People should not be bullied because of their sexuality but bullying is motivated by many other factors. The Safe Schools program had the potential to diminish the focus on other bullying behaviours so it was an inappropriate anti-bullying program. In fact, the author of the program admitted it was not designed to be an anti-bullying program. The second reason I opposed that program was that it pitted parent against parent. Anti-bullying programs should be developed in consultation with parents, the community and students to ensure that they are taken on board by the whole school community. I am not unhappy that the Safe Schools program is gone but I am delighted that a new program is being developed by experts including Professor Ian Hickie, Donna Cross, who was on the Safe School review committee, and Rosemary Johnson, as it will give parents confidence in the program.

As the parent of a number of children bullying is a constant concern. Every day one of my children comes home and complains about being bullied at school. One aspect that we ought to address is bullying by silence. On many occasions children are excluded because they are no longer friends with someone else, and bullying behaviour is exhibited through silence. The programs that we ought to be delivering should ensure that all aspects of bullying are covered. We must ensure that our children are happy at school. I commend the member for Holsworthy for moving this motion today.

Mr CHRIS PATTERSON (Camden) (11:56:02):

By leave: I support the motion moved by the member for Holsworthy to support the Alannah and Madeline Foundation Buddy Day. Buddy Day celebrates friendship and positive relationships in primary schools and works to reduce bullying. This bipartisan motion is supported by all members in this House. As members of Parliament and as parents and members of our communities we all have a responsibility to ensure that bullying in any form is stamped out wherever possible.

The member for Holsworthy recently became a mother. As the father of four kids aged eight, 14, 14 and 16, my greatest fear is that my children will become the victims of bullying. The most important message to convey to my two boys and two girls is for them to be leaders and not to take part in any bullying behaviour. It is too simplistic to say that kids will be kids. We all have a responsibility to ensure that our children's behaviour does not impact negatively on other children. As a parent it breaks my heart to know that bullying, which is not age related, occurs in both public and private schools. We must do everything we can to stop this behaviour as bullying can impact on and change people's lives.

Bullying cannot and will not be accepted. A herd or pack mentality causes people to single out someone different. It might be the good athlete, the pretty girl, the tall poppy, or the child who is different. Our message today to our kids and to the community is that we should encourage leaders and leadership. We should encourage primary school kids to stand up for others and to say, "Hang on. This is not acceptable behaviour." I commend the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. Today's debate is about public awareness. I stand with each and every member of this place in saying that bullying is not acceptable.

Mr KEVIN ANDERSON (Tamworth) (11:59:04):

By leave: I support this important motion moved by the member for Holsworthy. It is great that the New South Wales Parliament has taken a bipartisan approach to stopping bullying; there should be zero acceptance and zero tolerance of bullying of any kind. No-one should be bullied if they overweight or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, or based on the colour of skin or their background. Someone could be bullied because they have a different lunch, their clothing is different, or their parents cannot afford to send them on excursions. The reason does not matter; it is totally unacceptable.

Students and parents should be confident that schools are safe and that they are one of the most secure and trusted public institutions in our community. I am the father an 18-year-old, a 15-year-old and an 11‑year‑old. My wife and I talk frequently with them about what they did at school—what they learnt, who they played with, and so on. Initially they would respond, "Nothing", or, "No, I didn't do anything." If we ask questions and get involved in our children's day-to-day school activities, it becomes easier over time for them to talk about what has happened. They will talk more openly about someone being pushed over or someone being mean. If we can create open and honest communication, our children will be more likely to reveal what is going on in their lives, which is critical to ensuring a healthy relationship.

All New South Wales public schools are required to develop anti-bullying plans that include prevention, early intervention and response strategies. I acknowledge that more must be done to support schools in responding to bullying behaviour. The Minister for Education asked the Department of Education to develop an updated anti-bullying strategy for release to schools in term three this year. That will bring together resources and information for schools, students and parents. Teachers also have a role to play in keeping their eyes and ears open to what is happening in the classroom, in the playground, at mealtimes, on excursions, and on athletics days. They must ultimately consider whether intervention is warranted. If that means calling a parent to relay concerns about the treatment someone is dealing out or receiving, so be it. It is a partnership between parents and schools.

Extension of time

When I speak at presentation days for year 6 classes, I address the parents, the carers and the grandparents about the need to get involved in their children's day-to-day school activities. We must communicate and keep our conversations with them free flowing. If we do that, ultimately our children will feel more comfortable talking about what is happening in their day. If that occurs, we might be able to a head off a problem or stop problems occurring. To that end, the State budget provides $6.1 million in new funding for a range of professional development initiatives to build teachers' capacity to prevent bullying behaviours. The new resources will be easily accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they are a student, a teacher or a parent. This strategy also includes a significant expansion of the Youth Aware of Mental Health program, which is an evidence‑based wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention program for young people aged 14 to 16. []

That statement is important. I spoke earlier about opening up the lines of communication between parents and children. However, we must also deal with social media. My wife and I have decided that our children will not have computers in their bedrooms. We want to be able to supervise their homework and research. In addition, they can have their mobile phones in their bedrooms only as alarms. They know that if they use their phones in their bedrooms they will lose them. Because their phones are so important to them, they play by the rules. We must also ensure that our children know the role that social media plays in bullying. One line on a Facebook page can trigger an explosion of bullying. In addition, social media cannot convey tone. If communication is face to face, we can judge the tone and determine whether a comment is simply a joke. That cannot and does not happen on social media. I support the motion of the member for Holsworthy, which raises an important issue that should be and is being addressed.

Ms TANYA DAVIES (MulgoaMinister for Mental Health, Minister for Women, and Minister for Ageing) (12:06:58):

— By leave: I could not let this opportunity pass without making a contribution on this significant issue. I commend the member for Holsworthy on moving this motion. I also commend the Alannah and Madeline Foundation for its work and its commitment to supporting National Buddy Day. Many of us have experienced some form of bullying at some point in our lives. I was the victim of bullying for four years at high school. My high school was small and I was one of only five girls in years 7 to 10. Regrettably, the other four girls were bullying me, and I had nowhere to go.

Every day I experienced a mental battle to get dressed, to pack my bags, and to face what I knew would be an awful day. The positive aspect of that experience was that I became incredibly resilient. It was a couple of decades ago, and I knew that when I got home I would be safe. However, today, with the introduction of so much technology-based learning and social media, the potential for and evidence of bullying continuing at home is alarming. That is why I am proud of the Minister for Education for treating this matter so seriously and with vigour to ensure that at the beginning of term three this year the department will have a comprehensive anti-bullying program in place. I am proud that a number of leading academics are working with the Department of Education in formulating this strategy. I had the pleasure of meeting Professor Ian Hickey from the University of Sydney a few weeks ago, and we had a very engaging conversation. I thank him, Professor Donna Cross from the University of Western Australia and Professor Rosemary Johnston from University of Technology Sydney for their expertise and passion as partners with the Department of Education in this strategy.

Extension of time

I am very pleased that the strategy will include a significant expansion of the Youth Aware of Mental Health program, an evidence-based wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention program for young people aged 14 to 16 years. In the six months since I was appointed the Minister for Mental Health I have come to discover that, for a significant number of people who will experience a mental health issue, their illness becomes apparent around the age of 14 years. It is alarming that many hundreds of thousands of people in the prime of their life in terms of education, building friendships and having fun will begin to experience and demonstrate symptoms of a mental illness. I commend the Minister for Education and his team not only for recognising that mental health is a serious issue for this age bracket but also for expanding the influence of and the teaching in relation to the Youth Aware of Mental Health program. The New South Wales Government is absolutely determined to do everything it can to tackle bullying in schools, but it can do only so much. []

The Government needs to partner not only with other programs and providers such as the Alannah and Madeline Foundation but also with parents, guardians and grandparents. The Government recognises that it is the responsibility of parents to continue education and training in life skills in the home environment. The member for Tamworth spoke of how he has very strict guidelines about his children's use of technology in the home. That is positive parenting and it will help his children. He is raising his children in an environment where the balance is right between the use of technology and the development of skills in human relationships. As parents of a pre‑teen child—I cannot believe I have just said that word; she is almost 10 years of age; it goes so fast—approximately three years ago we had to start implementing boundaries in the use of technology for our daughter. Those boundaries will continue to need to be strengthened and clarified, particularly as her school uses technology in its educational platform. In year 4 her classmates use an online closed website functionality to communicate with each other as part of their education.

We have to accept the reality that technology is integrated within students' learning, and respond appropriately. That is why it is so important for parents to set and monitor boundaries so that, if kids cross the boundaries, there are consequences. That is simply good and responsible parenting. I commend every parent who is doing the right thing, and I encourage every parent who may be struggling to ask for help. The Government needs people to parent their children to the best of their ability. We are all in this together. Let us work together so that our children are raised in healthy environments not only in school but also at home that are free from bullying. Our children should get up every morning and, unlike me, get ready for school without experiencing fear and trepidation. They should wake up happy, looking forward to the adventure of learning and the exciting journey that lies ahead of them that day. I thank the member for Holsworthy for moving this motion.

Mr MARK TAYLOR (Seven Hills) (12:14:02):

By leave: It is a privilege to talk on this important topic brought before the House by the motion of the member for Holsworthy. It is a topic that is relevant to my community. As the member for Mulgoa, and Minister for Mental Health, said, this issue affects many people with children, particularly those with young teenage children or children in the early years of high school. I have a daughter in the initial years of high school so I, like others, am affected by social media and how to juggle its use. It is difficult to balance the competing issues of the opportunities and potential benefits that technology offers with the fact that it also opens the door to constant communication between young people, which unfortunately sometimes causes difficulties.

Bullying of any kind is unacceptable in New South Wales schools. Parents and students should be able to expect that schools are safe places. Schools should remain the most secure and trusted public institution in our community. I have been involved with a number of great public schools in my electorate in recent weeks prior to returning for the current session of Parliament. I mention in particular Toongabbie Public School and the great work being done by the parents and citizens [P and C] association at that school. The parents form an extremely collective and cohesive group, who have their children's interests at heart. One imagines that that extends across their education, health and sporting commitments. As a group, they certainly do not want bullying in their school. I feel fortunate to be able to assist the Toongabbie P and C, and I am happy to help parents in any way I can.

Extension of time

I recently also had the pleasure of attending Toongabbie West Public School—another great public school in my electorate—to give the P and C a grant for a project to improve an area called "Tassie's retreat". The area caters for a number of children who suffer health challenges and provides a quiet and restful place where they can have a more pleasant school experience and improve their education outcomes. That is another example of the great work being done by P and Cs in my area as they promote the excellent education and welfare of their children. The New South Wales Department of Education has undertaken considerable work in recent years to assist public schools to implement proactive approaches to bullying behaviour. New South Wales public schools are required to develop anti-bullying plans that include prevention, early intervention and response strategies. Of course there is more to do, but we are heading in the right direction. To this end, the New South Wales budget provides $6.1 million in new funding for a range of professional development initiatives to build the capacity of teachers to prevent bullying behaviours. []

New resources will be easily accessible to everybody, regardless of whether they are a student, a teacher or a parent. The Government is doing excellent work. I commend the motion of the member for Holsworthy to the House.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Geoff Provest):

I extend a very warm welcome to the Hon. Mano Ganesan, the Sri Lankan Minister of National Co-existence, Dialogue and Official Languages. We welcome you to the Chamber.

Ms MELANIE GIBBONS (Holsworthy) (12:19:00):

In reply: I start by thanking the members who have contributed to the debate—members representing the electorates of Port Stephens, Manly, Wyong, Terrigal, Wagga Wagga, Kiama, Oatley, Epping, Camden, Tamworth, Mulgoa and Seven Hills. That was far more members than originally anticipated would make a contribution, which shows that bullying affects each and every school in our electorates. Those members represent many different areas across the State, which is proof that bullying does not discriminate geographically. Local members need to be cognisant of bullying and do all they can to eradicate it from our schools. That is what the Government's budget allocation seeks to address, and the anti‑bullying program will start in term three this year.

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One of the newspapers in my electorate, the , reported the findings of a recent study ReachOut.com Australia. It found that unfortunately only half of the people who had been bullied sought help. That is a lot of people who must be going without any assistance, guidance and support when they need it most. I put on record the signs that parents should look out for that may indicate their child is being bullied. The signs include not wanting to go to school or finding excuses to stay at home; talking about hating school; not wanting to talk about school at all; frequently complaining of headaches, stomach aches or other ailments; bruises, scratches and torn clothing; missing or damaged possessions; being tense, fearful or unhappy after school; becoming more aggressive towards siblings; talking about not having any friends; having trouble sleeping or having bad dreams; deterioration in school work and grades; and hiding mobile phones or appearing upset after reading messages.

In his contribution to the debate, the member for Tamworth picked up on mobile phone use and how important it is to make sure that computers and phones are in the line of sight of a parent or caregiver. The member for Mulgoa also spoke about her personal experience of being bullied at school. She was able to switch off when she got home and leave that bullying at the school gate. Unfortunately, with modern technology and cyberbullying, bullying does not stop. Children are harassed and bullied into the wee hours of the morning. It must be a horrible experience. In some ways members of Parliament have similar experiences, with social media notifications going off at silly hours of the morning—people making bad comments or good. It never stops, and there is no chance to switch off.

So bullying happens to everyone, but as adults we have worked out ways to deal with it whereas young people have not developed the skills to cope. It must be horrible to have to summon the courage and strength to get up and go to school—to get dressed, put on your shoes and walk through the school gates—when you are being bullied. I am glad that we are doing all we can, and I am glad that members have come together to show that bullying is not acceptable. Once again, I thank the Alannah and Madeline Foundation for initiating Buddy Day, so that all schools can come together to show bullies that it is not right and not fair to bully people. We want students to be responsible, good and upstanding citizens of our State and our country long into the future. I thank the Alannah and Madeline Foundation for the work it is doing. I wish all students a happy day.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Geoff Provest):

The question is that the motion be agreed to.

Motion agreed to.