The first bi-annual progress report on implementing all 29 recommendations of Queensland’s Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce, released last October, confirms work is well underway.
All schools can expect a roll-out of online resources for them to combat the menace this term.
A new student Code of Conduct has been developed incorporating the key tools to implement the Report’s recommendations relating to student behaviour in cyber space and in what for so many of them has become a dangerous activity.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said just six months after the Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce Report ‘Adjust Our Settings: A community approach to address cyberbullying among children and young people in Queensland’ was released, the government was making good progress, but there was still a lot to do.
“Cyberbullying is not a problem that ends at the school gate. Nor is it something that ends at our border,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Sadly, the misuse of technology has developed faster than our ability to write the rule book.
“Yet that’s what we have to do. We’re writing the rule book.
“Our new Student Code requires all state schools to have a sound, evidence-based whole of school program.”
Progress on implanting school-based training for children, parents and teachers working with experts in the cyberbullying field to combat the menace is well advanced and it’s anticipated the $1 million funding will be available in Semester 2.
“While Queensland has laws providing five-year jail terms for the worst cases of cyberbullying – the penalty increases to seven years where violence is involved – and legislation prohibiting the sharing of intimate images, much more needs to be done by the Federal Government,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
