News
Wednesday 8 February 2012
Launch of Cyberbullying Storyboard
Race Discrimination Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke attended the launch last week of a major new initiative to help young people stay safe online and get support if they are cyberbullied.
Attending the launch of the Moreland City Council Cyberbullying storyboard in Melbourne, Commissioner Szoke said discrimination was often at the heart of bullying.
“The Commission is focusing on tackling violence, harassment and bullying as a major priority because it is a major human rights issue affecting many Australians,” Dr Szoke says.
“If we address discrimination then we can work to build a safer and more inclusive Australia.
“This was never more evident than at the launch of the Moreland City Council Cyberbullying storyboard.”
The launch was supported by three families, all of whom had children who died from suicide following periods of bullying.
Father of Allem Halkic who died 12 months ago, Ali Halkic, described the experience of cyberbullying as one where predators come to young people in the quiet of the night and behind closed doors, to damage and attack young people.
“The loss and disbelief experienced by these families is palpable, and the impact of cyberbullying in particular is insidious,” Dr Szoke says.
The Commission is involved with a number of specific initiatives to try to address an apparent increase in cyberbullying in Australia.
In addition to participating in the Government’s Consultative Working Group on Cyber Safety which tackles issues of online safety for children and young people, the Commission is also leading development of an innovative social marketing campaign to encourage young people aged 13 – 17 years to take safe and effective action if they witness cyberbullying.
More information is available at http://www.humanrights.gov.au/bullying/index.html
