It is time to speak out.
That was the message from Maitland MP Robyn Parker – an avid anti-bullying supporter – when she distributed leaflets to families at Maitland Park yesterday.
Ms Parker said bullying is “a very real and present danger in our schools and workplaces” and encouraged people not to ignore the problem.
The leaflet identifies what is bullying, the signs of it, looks into the impact of cyberbullying and details how to deal with bullying and stop the cycle. It also addresses bullying in the workplace.
“Everyone has the right to learn and work in an environment free of bullying, intimidation and violence,” Ms Parker said.
She said anti-bullying policies at schools needed everyone’s support and employers must understand their work health and safety obligations.
“With the evolution of technology, bullying too has evolved,” she said. “Cyberbullying using the Internet, mobile phones and social networks is rapidly becoming one of the most prevalent types of bullying.”
Ms Parker said if people spoke out against bullies it would send a clear message that bullying was unacceptable.