Upstander Movement

Dear Parent/carers and students

Throughout our level assemblies, house groups and Thrive classes this term we have continued our emphasis in growing connections, to help prevent bullying and being an upstander.

People all over the world are taking up the challenge of the upstander movement, in particular young students who want to see changes in their school. This is no different at Fairhills where we have seen many students come forward to report harmful behaviours.

An upstander is a helpful bystander–a person who recognizes when a situation is wrong and acts promptly and decisively to make it right. Moreover, an upstander will always stand up and do their best to protect and support anyone who is being hurt or treated unfairly.

Upstander aren’t born – they’re made

These skills are learnable, coachable, and teachable. Some of the simplest ways to start include:

• If you see or learn about a bullying incident or other harmful behaviour, do SOMETHING to help. Be a friend to the target, report the behaviour, discourage others from contributing to the problem, etc. Being an impassive observer helps no one but the bully.
• Get friends and colleagues involved. There’s strength in numbers. The more people you can get to condemn and report the abuse, the more likely it will stop.
• Be aware of the bullying/harassment policy in place at work or school. Also, point out the specific guidelines or laws being breached by the perpetrator.
• Be a reliable, impartial witness to bullying incidents – accurately record time, place, persons involved, and precise details, so it can be investigated.
• Promote tolerance and acceptance by respecting differences.
• Stop hurtful messages and lies from spreading. The Internet has made it all too easy to spread malicious gossip about others. Refuse to be a part of it.
• Educate yourself about bullying, harassment and toxic behaviours. The more you know about its causes and effects, the better prepared you will be when it’s your turn to be an upstander.

When you see any kind of harm say something by reporting it to your team leader or through Stymie at www.stymie.com.au