Thursday, May 15, 2014
Right Tyres. Right Choice.
Massey club tackles bullying
INSIDE
this week
By ALECIA ROUSSEAU Palmerston North’s tertiary students are taking a stand against bullying with an oncampus club that aims to provide the community with support, education and solutions. The local branch is part of the nationwide organisation Stand for the Silent, founded by Kirk and Laura Smalley whose 11-year-old son committed suicide after an incident with a school bully. Lecturer Rebecca Freeman recognised how important it was for victims and survivors to share their stories and was inspired to take action. The group now has several local members who say they have all experienced bullying at some time in their lives. They hope to speak in the region’s schools and other educational institutes to tackle bullying at an early stage. Deepika Gosai said people needed to recognise the signs because anyone could become a victim. ‘‘It’s happening in our schools, at University, from students to each other and to their teachers and in our workplaces but, seeking help can be the hardest part.’’ One member said she was subject to taunts throughout primary and high-school and found little solace with teachers. ‘‘I was that one freak so I took to hiding at lunchtimes; the art room became my sanctuary.’’ Another young woman said she was a victim since the age of five because she had a different skin colour. ‘‘Kids don’t really understand what they’re saying can really effect and hurt someone for a long, long time; I had one bully
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Museum passes — page 5
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SAY NO: Deepika Gosai, Becky Severinsen, Anne Finucane, Anne-Marie Hartley, Rebecca Freeman and Hannah Tobin are determined to stamp out bullying in the community. PHOTO: ALECIA ROUSSEAU that if I see him now, I still run the other way.’’ Remarks regarding sexuality, weight and appearance were the most common, added member Hannah Tobin. ‘‘It’s happening today — if you dress differently people notice and you can see the judgement straight away.’’ Miss Freeman said too many
people had a negative perception of victims. ‘‘If you’re bullied, especially more that once, people tend to think ‘oh well you must be doing something to deserve it, maybe you’re not worthy or you’re not likeable’ but that’s completely untrue.’’ ■ If you would like to join the club or find out more
information, please visit www.facebook.com/NZSFTS. Where you can go for help: ■ Workplace bullying: Labour Contact Centre 0800 20 90 20 ■ Community officer Palmerston North police (06) 351-3600 ■ Youthline 0800 37 66 33 ■ 0800 WHATS UP helpline ■ www.cyberbullying.org.nz.
Women’s expo — page 9
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