mmg.com.au

Three district schools combined forces to say ‘No Way’ to bullying on the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence on Friday.

Echuca College students, along with students from the Echuca Specialist School and Echuca Primary School grades 5 and 6, took part in an assembly at the college.

Students and teachers spoke about different types of bullying, strategies to deal with it and the long-term effects of bullying.

Echuca Primary School students performed a play before the whole student group headed out to the oval to spell out the words ‘No Way’ (to bullying).

A photographer in an aeroplane then flew over the oval to capture the students’ message.

Leading teacher in charge of wellbeing for years 7 to 9 Dan Davidson said the college wanted to send a strong anti-bullying message.

‘‘We do everything in our power to make sure bullying doesn’t happen,’’ Mr Davidson said.

He said students were taught not only that bullying was serious and unacceptable, but the importance of being a ‘helpful’ bystander, rather than a ‘hurtful’ bystander.

‘‘They (the students) were all very attentive and participated in the activities,’’ he said.

‘‘The scars of bullying last forever, so I guess what we are asking the guys is to think about what they say before they say it.’’

Mr Davidson also said cyber-bullying was a big issue and the school previously had the police come to discuss the effects and legal ramifications of cyber-bullying.

Echuca Aero Club and Norm Williams Tree Loppers helped out on the day.

Have your say in our online poll (right side of website). Do you think cyber-bullying is more harmful than other forms of bullying?