The State Government launched its newest initiative today a program aimed at reducing the incidence of bullying among school children.
It was received with support from both sides of parliament, but was alone among numerous questions about the state’s economy.
Kathleen Calderwood reports.
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TRANSCRIPT
Queensland schools are part of a state-wide effort to curb bullying among children at school and on the internet.
One in four Australian children are bullied, and technology is encouraging a new wave of cyber bullying.
Geoff Wilson, Minister for Education and Training: “The practical actions that are identified in a number of the recommendations are focused on establishing a team around cyber safety in each school.”
The government will employ child psychologist Doctor Michael Carr-Gregg as the program’s expert.
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, Child Psychologist: “There is no question that 60 to 90 per cent of the socialising that children do in 2010 will be digital. In my view there needs to be an acceptable use policies, not only at school but also families need to have online family contracts.”
The program incorporates all three sectors of the education system, from state to independent schools.
Anna Bligh, Queensland Premier: “Regardless of what school parents send their children to we want those schools to be safe.”
While the new anti-bully program is receiving bipartisan support, the opposition is still calling on the government to account for its continued spending.
John-Paul Langbroek, Opposition Leader: “We’ve got confirmation today that the debt in Queensland is growing faster than the government can sell off assets. This economic amateur hour from the government has to stop.”
But the government is adamant it has a clear plan.
Anna Bligh, Queensland Premier: “One, we intend to borrow to build the things Queenslanders need and two, we intend to have an economic strategy to pay down any borrowings that we make.”
It’s a message the Premier will continue to push.
Kathleen Calderwood, QUT News.