Cop take on bullying

Leading Senior Constable Brett Owen, Leading Senior Constable Sharon Patterson and Leading Senior Constable Cathy Emmett are working in the community to combat bullying in schools. 116186_03 Picture: ROB CAREW

By DANIELLE GALVIN

DON’T start it, don’t be a part of it and don’t let it get out of control.
Acting Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd said that bullying will not be tolerated – online or otherwise.
“Whatever you put online you don’t own – it’s public material,” he said.
Casey and Cardinia Youth Resource Officer and Leading Senior Constable Brett Owen said police played a role in assisting schools and talking to students.
“This issue is a joint responsibility between parents and the community,” he said.
“Generally, schools identify an issue of bullying or cyber bullying and contact us.
“It’s all about educating young people.”
Acting Sen Sgt Prowd said bullying can lead to serious offences, including stalking.
Leading Sen Const Owen said bullying can include assaults or threats.
“In a way, bullying is a ‘soft’ way to describe behaviour which in some cases, could constitute a criminal offence,” he said.
“The aim is that the issue gets resolved prior to it escalating to a point where police officially become involved.
“People sometimes believe that what happens at school stays at school.”
Tips for parents include not letting your child use computers in their bedroom, encouraging them to use it in a shared space and monitoring what they are doing.
“We would encourage parents to closely monitor what their child is doing online,” he said.
“Parents need to be actively involved in their child’s internet use.
“It’s also important that victims know not to bottle it up.”