More than 2.4 million school students attending 5,726 schools across Australia took part in the 2019 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence last Friday (15 March) taking a united stand against bullying.
The students were congratulated by Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, who said the turnout compared to 1.88 million students across 4,355 schools in 2018.
“All those students, teachers and principals are using the day to learn about the impacts of bullying, how to stamp it out and to ‘start the chat’ with children about preventing cyber-bullying and staying safe online,” Mr Morrison said.
“Bullying and cyber-bullying affect more and more of our kids and taking part in the National Day of Action sends a message to them that they are not alone and there is help available.”
He said that around half of all students in Years 3 to 5 reported some level of bullying and one in five young Australians had experienced cyber-bullying.
“Our Government is focused on keeping Australians safe and keeping our children safe by delivering the support and resources to combat bullies as well as educating everyone about the impact of bullying,” Mr Morrison said.
He said the Government would launch a national campaign across print, radio and television to raise awareness of online safety and to help Australian parents, carers and teachers keep children and young people safe online.
“The campaign is part of the Government’s $17 million Keeping Our Children Safe Online package announced in December last year,” the Prime Minister said.
