Federal Government Launches Anti-bullying website after online bullying takes another life
January 24, 2012
The Federal Government has launched a brand new anti-bullying website called 'Easy Guide To Socialising Online' after the death of a Melbourne school girl on 9 January 2012. Sheniz Erkhan was a victim of schoolyard and online bullying and took her own life a week before her 15th Birthday.
Dr Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray said “This is devastating news for all parents. Technology has become so advanced that it is possible for children to keep their online activities very private for a long time. It is often too late when parents eventually find out that their child has been subject to bullying or is giving someone else a hard time.”
“The new website is a good avenue for parents and families to teach children how to navigate through social websites and adjust their privacy settings.”
“Online bullying can be enormously damaging to teenagers, adults and children. Labor and the Coalition agree unanimously that online bullying has to be stopped.
“The Victorian Department of Education's most recent report shows half of Victorian school children aged 12 to 14 have experienced bullying. Tough, new laws have been put in place in Victoria since June 2011 for cyber and workplace bullying which makes the offence punishable by a jail term of up to 10 years.
“The amendments, known as Brodie's Law, were made to the legislation after the death of 19-year old Brodie Panlock who committed suicide after being bullied by colleagues at the Melbourne cafe where she worked.
“The Federal Government should follow suit and put a stricter federal model in place to help stamp out cyber bullying and workplace harassment nation-wide,” said Sharman Stone.
Please visit the government’s new website http://www.dbcde.gov.au/easyguide for more information on social media sites and cyber safety.
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