IT stops with me.
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The message is as blunt as it is courageous when the time comes – that when it comes to bullying, enough is enough.
Primary and secondary students from both sides of the Border came together to take a stand on Friday, the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.
On school ovals around the Border, students gathered together to spell out the words ‘No Way’ and Respect, which could be seen from high in the sky.
Riverina Aviation College pilot Ian Bennett invited The Border Mail to take some photos of the gesture, and said he’d seen first hand the effect bullying could have on young people.
“We actually have a lot of young people who come to us to learn to fly, we see people in all sorts of conditions,” he said.
“It’s great to teach people to fly because it can help them so much with their self esteem.”
Though he’s the one spending his days in the sky, Mr Bennett he was encouraged by the students taking action to rise above bullying.
“To see those messages on the ground was brilliant,” he said.
“It shows there’s a lot of thought being put into it, hopefully there’s a bit of compassion for each other among these kids as they all battle with life’s challenges.”
Action wasn’t limited to just the Border though – nearly two million students across the country came together to call for a future free from bullying.
Research conducted by the Education Council has found one in four year four to year nine students reported being bullied every few weeks or more often.
One in five students experienced online bullying, and 84 per cent of students bullied online experienced it in person.
Education Council chair Minister Susan Close said the National Day of Action had recorded a record number of schools and students actively involved in the campaign.
“Each school is making the day their own, involving students in activities and workshops, and working with their broader community to talk about saying Bullying. No Way!,” she said.
“Bullying is a serious issue that can have lifelong impacts.
“It’s important that we connect, collaborate and evolve as a nation to set a positive direction and shape the attitude, behaviours and actions of all young people.”