Upstander prefect program

o one wants to be a bystander to bullying, but knowing the right thing to say or do in the moment can be challenging. That’s why Kinross Wolaroi School’s Prefects made it their mission this year to show students how to become Upstanders in a bid to reduce bullying.

Together, they met with Bullyology and Upstand Academy founder Jessica Hickman for some tips.

Year 12 students, Mackenzie Jones and Jess Mosely, were among the Prefects who met Ms Hickman at her workplace in Orange. “Meeting Ms Hickman at The Hive was

UPSTANDER PREFECT PROGRAM N amazing. She worked with us to identify what bullying is, what bullying isn’t, the true effects of bullying and how we - both as individuals and as a team - are able to become Upstanders,” said Jess. “Ms Hickman then gave us the chance to break into small groups and brainstorm ways to translate the inspiring message we had received to our wider School community.” The result was an Upstander program modified for KWS students. Mackenzie said the program is all about encouraging people to stand up against bullying. “The aim of the Upstander program is to

equip students with the skills, ability and confidence to stand against what they believe is right,” she said.

“This also involves being an Upstander against other social issues including empowering women, education for all, homelessness and environmental concerns.

The Prefects agreed they would become an ‘army of Upstanders’ to act as role models for their peers and help create a safe and positive environment at the School.

Mackenzie said an ‘Upstander’ is a ‘helpful bystander’.

“Rather than standing by when bullying occurs, they stand-up, speak out and take action to respond if something is wrong,” she said.

The Prefects also invited Ms Hickman to share her story with other students as a guest speaker on Wellbeing Day during Term 2.

“Ms Hickman’s story was very inspiring. She was bullied in a toxic workplace and nothing was done by the leadership there, which led to her having long-term psychological and physical health effects,” said Mackenzie.

“In response, she created Bullyology to share her story and attempt to create healthy, safe environments in workplaces and schools.”

Following Ms Hickman’s speech, the Prefects and other students created a pledge wall that’s now on display at the front of the Derek Pigot Auditorium.

“This can be viewed by the school and keeps the need to be kind and strong at the forefront of our minds,” said Jess.

Jess said the Upstander movement can also help to address issues outside the School community.

“Programs like the Upstander movement parallel some of the most prevalent issues in our society – social divisions through racism, sexism and homophobia and the collective struggle against issues such as climate change and terrorism,” she said.

“Movements like the Upstander movement will create a generation of informed, respectful and kind young people who are willing to stand up for each other and the issues they believe to be important, which is crucial to our success in an increasingly complex world.” •

The aim of the Upstander program is to equip students with the skills, ability and confidence to stand against what they believe is right.”

Mackenzie Jones, Year 12 student and Prefect