- Victorian state schools told to act on violence
- By John Masanauskas
- The Herald Sun
- 01/01/2009 Make a Comment
- Contributed by: The Rooster ( 258 articles in 2009 )
A SCHOOLGIRL and her mother are taking a passionate stand against bullying in a bid to convince educational authorities to act decisively against the scourge.
Carrum Downs teenager Nicole Beddoe said yesterday that she was subjected to severe and frequent bullying at two state schools over several years.
Nicole said the incidents included a death threat, a student attacking her with secateurs, being beaten up, and having rotten food hurled at her.
"The schools just don't deal properly with bullying - they try to say it's not bullying," she told the Herald Sun.
Figures recently released under Freedom of Information laws reveal students, teachers and principals are reporting more than 12 assaults a week in state schools.
Nicole's mother, Lynda, has written to Premier John Brumby and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd pleading for strong action against school bullies.
Ms Beddoe said the government schools in Melbourne's bayside suburbs had failed to properly address Nicole's issues.
"They basically treated her as a naughty child and I was the problem," she said. "The Government is ignoring it - it's getting worse."
Ms Beddoe is considering legal action against the Education Department for allegedly breaching its duty of care to her daughter.
She said Nicole, 14, had been treated for depression linked to the bullying, and had made several suicide attempts.
However, she had undergone a positive transformation since shifting to a top private girls' school this year.
State government spokesman Luke Enright said bullying incidents were taken very seriously.
"Bullying or violence in any form will not be tolerated in Victorian government schools," he said.
ANYONE with personal problems can call Lifeline on 131 114 or Victorian Statewide Suicide Helpline on 1300 651 251.
Carrum Downs teenager Nicole Beddoe said yesterday that she was subjected to severe and frequent bullying at two state schools over several years.
Nicole said the incidents included a death threat, a student attacking her with secateurs, being beaten up, and having rotten food hurled at her.
"The schools just don't deal properly with bullying - they try to say it's not bullying," she told the Herald Sun.
Figures recently released under Freedom of Information laws reveal students, teachers and principals are reporting more than 12 assaults a week in state schools.
Nicole's mother, Lynda, has written to Premier John Brumby and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd pleading for strong action against school bullies.
Ms Beddoe said the government schools in Melbourne's bayside suburbs had failed to properly address Nicole's issues.
"They basically treated her as a naughty child and I was the problem," she said. "The Government is ignoring it - it's getting worse."
Ms Beddoe is considering legal action against the Education Department for allegedly breaching its duty of care to her daughter.
She said Nicole, 14, had been treated for depression linked to the bullying, and had made several suicide attempts.
However, she had undergone a positive transformation since shifting to a top private girls' school this year.
State government spokesman Luke Enright said bullying incidents were taken very seriously.
"Bullying or violence in any form will not be tolerated in Victorian government schools," he said.
ANYONE with personal problems can call Lifeline on 131 114 or Victorian Statewide Suicide Helpline on 1300 651 251.
Source: https://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,24860358-2862,00.html
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