Speak Out DVD - Young People Against Bullying

Speak Out is a resource to help reduce bullying. It was developed by young people involved in the Holroyd Youth Peer Education Project.

What is included in the resource?

The resource includes:

• A 30-minute DVD that outlines:
• • what bullying is
  • types of bullying
  • some reasons people bully others
  • the impact of bullying
  • strategies to stop bullying
  • where to go for help
• A workshop guide that outlines activities, questions, resources, handouts and a timeline to conduct an education workshop on bullying, using the DVD.

Who is this resource for?

This resource is for schools, organisations and community groups who would like to run education workshops with children and young people.

The resource can be used to facilitate workshops with children and young people in order to work towards reducing the incidence of bullying in the community.

The resource can be adapted to suit any age group in a number of different settings.

How long has this resource been available?

The resource was developed in 2006 by young people involved in the Holroyd Youth Peer Education Project, which was then piloted in three settings with different groups.

This resource was launched on 31 May 2007 at Greystanes High School with up to 100 people attending who represented schools, youth services, community organisations and included young people and parents. The resource has been available for purchase since the launch.

How will this resource make a difference in the fight against bullying?

The resource is an interactive tool to educate children and young people about some of the issues around bullying. The resource has been developed by young people for their peers, which makes it appealing and appropriate to young people.

Peer educators have been proven to be more effective educators to their peers, as there are fewer barriers to address and they are able to access a wider group of people through their networks.

This resource is effective in the fight against bullying as it focuses on the strategy of positive peer influence to stop bullying. This strategy involves encouraging peer pressure by bystanders to challenge and eliminate bullying and other anti-social behaviour.

This strategy has been recognised by current literature and studies as the most effective way to stop bullying. An article by the Sydney Morning Herald (Thursday, 12 July 2007, p.5), stated that “schools can control bullying if bystanders are stopped from egging them on and preventative strategies target the entire school and not just the bullies”. This reinforces that the resource is not only interactive but current.

Please note: The content in the DVD and Workshop Guide are intended as a guide only.

How can this resource help me make a difference in the fight against bullying?

Whether you are a service provider, parent, student or a general member of the community, this resource can benefit you by:

• Providing current and accurate information about the issue of bullying in an interactive way
• Providing a modern and interactive tool in educating people, particularly children and young people about bullying
• Allowing you to share the information with children and young people, friends and family members and in schools
• Becoming informed about how to stop bullying

How can I get more information that can help in the fight against bullying?

The resource provides users with suggested websites, helplines, services and people to contact should they require assistance.

If you would like further information about bullying, the following are some examples of websites and services that are able to assist you:

Websites

• Kids Help Line
• Reach Out
• Bullying. No Way!

Helplines

• Lifeline – 131 114
• Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
• Youth Helpline – 9633 3666 / 9951 5522

Services & People

• Local youth workers
• Local Youth Health Service
• Doctors
• Counsellors
• NSW Department of Education
  
• Local Councils

What is some of the feedback received by service providers who have purchased the resource?

All agreed that SPEAK OUT: young people against bullying is an effective, modern and adaptable resource that engages young people and easily imparts the message of positive peer influence.

“The impact the package had here with those classes involved in the pilot was an increase of notifications of bullying, which allowed for the resolution of inappropriate behaviour between students involved. Students identify with people involved in the resource and their messages because they were clear that bullying is not OK. We have embraced this resource.”
Principal of Greystanes High School, Michael Glenday

“Having facilitated two SPEAK OUT workshops with very different groups, the feedback received by both groups indicated the resource sent a very powerful message to the young people: to speak up, tell someone or take some action to help someone if they are bullied. Some participants also felt confident to take some type of action against bullying, even if they are just a bystander. The DVD and activities are great and relevant in showing the short and long term effects of bullying and places or people to seek help from.”
Georgina Vega, Australian Arabic Palestinian Support Association Inc. (AAPSA)

What is the cost of the resource?

The total cost of the resource is $100 (including GST and postage and handling).

How can I get a copy of the resource?

To order your copy of the resource, print out and complete the order form, and send it with your cheque to:

General Manager
Holroyd City Council
PO Box 42
MERRYLANDS NSW 2160

Who can I speak to for more information?

For further information or to provide your feedback, contact Holroyd City Council’s Youth Services Team Leader on 9840 9840.