The Sharks visited Sylvania Heights Public School on Friday March 20th as part of the long running Make Bullying History Initiative.
The visit coincided with the National Day of Action Against Violence and Bullying, a day which represents the key purpose of the program. Once again, the Sharks helped deliver the message that bullying is never okay, aiming to stop bullying in its tracks in Australian schools.
Operating amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic, Friday’s program was adapted to ensure the best community health practices and government advice were put in place. Seeing the program adapt so quickly and innovatively may be able to set the path forward for school related programs during these unprecedented times.
In a first for the school and the program, Brett Murray presented to a small group of students in the school hall whilst live streaming to classrooms around the school via their smartboard. This worked seamlessly and ensured the critical issue of bullying can still be tackled together regardless of the current situation.
In times like these it is even more important than ever that the most vulnerable among us feel safe and supported in their schools and communities. Children learn from example and we hope that they can continue to learn from the example of our players, Sharks fans and local community in banding together in difficult moments.
Harrowing statistics from the Bullying History Foundation show that 80 per cent of Australian students feel bullying is a problem in their school, with nearly 60 per cent experiencing bullying themselves.
Sharks Have Heart and Make Bullying History plan to change the story by leading the way to set the example that bullying is never okay, in school, online or in sport.
