South Australia Shadow Minister for Education David Pisoni

“DECS Does Not Collect Data Regarding Bullying…”

Victor P Taffa

As Escalating violence in South Australian schools continues to put our kids at risk the Rann Labor Government is turning a blind eye to schoolyard bullying.

The Department of Education’s (DECS) own statistics reveal:

• Critical incidents in schools have almost doubled over the past three years;
• Of 6,845 suspensions in term two last year 2,136 were as a result of violence;
• Serious incidents such as violent outbursts are on the rise with 50 incidents reported per week in 2010;
• There were 124 incidents of weapons being brought to school in 2010.

In an alarming development a Freedom of Information application obtained by the Opposition reveals that “DECS does not collect data regarding bullying…”.

Despite this admission from his own Department Minister Weatherill claimed today “that even minor incidents of bullying are now being reported” (Adelaide Now, 11/02/11).

Shadow Education Minister David Pisoni said for every violent incident that is reported there are many silent victims of school bullying whose stories go unheard because Labor isn’t listening.

“This Labor Government is turning a blind eye to the plight of vulnerable students who are the victims of bullying at school.” Mr. Pisoni said.

“The vicious incident at Craigmore High School is just one of many alarming stories we have heard and there are many, many more that never make the news and are swept under the carpet.”

“The Rann Labor Government only spends a measly $4.30 per student on training teachers in behavior management at Craigmore High School. How can we expect our teachers to be able to deal with school violence when they do not have adequate resources or training?”

“Minister Weatherill has failed to step in to protect our kids at school. Even now he is only responding because this alarming story has been splashed all over the news.” Mr. Pisoni said.

“The culture of secrecy within DECS must be stopped – these issues are not isolated and cannot be dealt with in-house.”

“Bullying is affecting a growing number of our kids and Labor is not even keeping track of what is going on.” Mr. Pisoni said.