Forum to focus on anti-bullying measures

South West Counselling and Core Therapy Psychology Services are holding a public forum in April to assess interest in forging a community-based response to bullying.

It is hoped the forum will establish a working party, which will work to address issues of bullying in the region.

The announcement of the initiative coincides with this Friday’s National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.

To mark the national day, South West Counselling, Core Therapy Psychology Services and the City of Busselton’s Youth Service team will be at the Youth Precinct from 4pm to promote the anti-bullying message.

South West Counselling community development officer Bev Atkinson said she hoped to engage with youth on their thoughts on the topic.

“We want to get into discussion with youth, ask if they’ve experienced it, what they think about it, what they think will fix it, why they think people do it –  just discuss the whole issue,” she said.

“We get a feeling it is getting pretty big.”

South West Counselling chief executive officer Karen Sommerville said bullying was being noticed across the board in Busselton and Dunsbrough.

“We go to inter-agency meetings and counsellors share the themes that are coming through and one of those themes that is always paramount is the notion of bullying,” she said.

“Twenty per cent of our clients are aged under 18, the statistics show a lot of young people aged 12 to 15 are here because of the affects of bullying behaviour.”

Both want to generate ideas that focus on the perpetrators, not just the victims.

“You aren’t born a bully,” said Ms Atkinson.

“We think some focus needs to be given to the people who are doing the bullying, in our experience this doesn’t happen by accident,” added Ms Sommerville.

“We would like to see some strategies that make the bullies accountable but not in a punitive way – that isn't a way that can encourage change.”

The forum will be held on April 11 at 7pm, RSVP by calling 9754 2052.