Long after we’ve left school, there are still lessons to be learned, such as social media platforms being among the most anti-social places of all.
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This was exemplified by public discussion on a high school’s anti-bullying policy.
The Goulburn Post understands some in our community have felt dismay and disappointment by what seemed to be insensitivity to the sensitive topic.
Today’s letter from the Goulburn High School Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association clearly outlines that sentiment, and we accept that point of view.
Goulburn High was rightly proud to announce its new policy, but the Post’s initial story was met not by one or two voices of objection, but a chorus.
So strong was the response, a second story was merited, and that story gave even-handed opportunity for and coverage of differing perspectives.
A few voices asked for anonymity, which the newspaper respected. Anonymity in a news story is not akin to faceless commentators online. It is a necessary consideration for a newspaper, where those who have shared their story publicly feel particularly vulnerable or at risk from having done so.
Of the two stories, neither sought to belittle Goulburn High, its immediate community, nor its work towards total intolerance of bullying behaviours.
But any policy that is going to be effective in this capacity must be able to stand up to public scrutiny and, consequentially, dissenting voices.
That Goulburn High’s P&C has now committed to undertake even more work to review and instigate such a policy speaks volumes to the seriousness and sincerity of the school’s stance on eradicating such unwelcome behaviours.
That no other school was included in those two stories was in no way demonstrative that the issue of bullying is exclusive to one local campus.
We know, as a community, that bullying behaviours are endemic, not just in schools, but in work places, public places, sporting fields, and homes.
And this is the lesson we have learned. Just as Goulburn High knows it cannot battle bullying alone, so too does the Post seek your help.
If we’re going to give more than lip service to the eradication of bullying behaviours, then it’s up to each and every one of us to listen before we speak and think before we act.