OCEANIA/AUSTRALIA - Australian Catholic schools against bullying

Sydney (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic primary and secondary schools in Sydney have gathered over 1900 schools across Australia to demonstrate against bullying. In the statement sent to Agenzia Fides by the archdiocese says that the initiative is already in its third year. In fact, the Country has just celebrated the National Day against Bullying and Violence, and in a video message to students Prime Minister Tony Abbott said that "there is no place for bullying in playgrounds or on the internet". On this occasion Abbot also announced the appointment by the Government of a Commission for the Protection of students that will safegurad bullying in social media.
Over the last three years parents, society, community groups, schools and Australian institutions have realized the damage bullying can have on a child. The Sydney Catholic Education Office (CEO) has been a leader in this area with anti-bullying policies in all schools. The institution provides resources to school staff and parents to help eradicate the phenomenon, recognize if their child is the victim, or involved in this practice, and what to do about it. According to research, the victims of school bullying are three times more likely to suffer from depression and depressive symptoms in adulthood than those who do not suffer it. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 23/03/2015)