Safe Schools Program - Let's review the review, Libs not happy with the answer!

Paul · ‎16-03-2016

The Safe Schools Program has come under fire in recent weeks. So many arguments were thrown in by the Australian Christian Lobby as to why it is bad for kids. Arguments were countered and those concerned were assured that the content was in line with the national curriculum and the material was designed for year 7 and 8 pupils.

I won't go into detail about the program, but will say that it is designed to teach kids tolerance, and acceptance of different sexualities and gender identities. The review suggested that some external links be removed and some other links helpful for transgender kids be provided by the school's counsellor.

What are your thoughts on the program, its opposition, the review and the outcome?

If you are school age and have the program at school, what's it like?

Paul

justinok · ‎17-03-2016

This whole story is in the realm of "I can't even" for me. The marriage equality stories have been upsetting enough for me, without reading about bigot MPs, who I pay the wages of, trying to shut down a program that stops kids from wanting to kill themselves. I think about how different my school life might have been if there was something that acknowledged I existed other than in being called faggot and poofter.

The fact that it was reviewed in the first place was bad enough, when there's already robust evidence to show that it works. That some MPs still aren't happy when the review came back shows that their true agenda was to get rid of it, they're not interested in discussion or debate.

Same with marriage equality. These are the same MPs who have said they'll vote NO regardless of what the people's vote is, so how can we expect them to make any decisions based on evidence? They'll just spit the dummy whenever they get an answer they don't like.

It's depressing beyond belief.

Gruffudd · ‎17-03-2016

I think the Safer Schools program would have been the difference I needed at school.

I've read it, it doesn't seem radical unless you are taking the view that excludes and discriminates. More so, I am really concerned that LGBTIQ kids are being politicised by a government that appears to be at war with itself and the extremes of religious groups.

I was listening to parliament today (only radio station on that stretch of road) and heard the story of a dad from my town who cornered one of the politicians and told him his family's story. He wants his son to be able to go to school and participate in everything without being bullied, but more then that he wants his son to be encouraged to be his best. He wants his son to have equal rights like being able to marry and wants his son to contribute to our town. Safer Schools is not just about LGBTIQ kids lives being better, it is more then that. It is about real change that can reassure dads and mums that their children are going to be in an environment where they thrive. It seems to be forgotten by some that when you bully our kids you are also bullying their parents, friends, and community (many of whom are straight) - then I do worry that that is the intention here.

So one more thing. If you are young and dealing with bullying, I want you to know you matter, what they are saying and doing is not OK, and it can and does get better. There are so many people who will think you are brilliant.

Rob.

Kazzl · ‎17-03-2016

Hear hear Rob!

Kazzl · ‎19-03-2016

Hi guys - don't know if you are Guardian Australia readers, but the First Dog on the Moon cartoon today on the Safe Schools program is excellent. Check it out on the GA website.

Cheers

Kaz

Kazzl · ‎19-03-2016

Meant to add that I am fumingly beside myself about the announcement yesterday. I don't believe the majority of Australians are as narrow minded as our politicians. Change will come, I have to keep believing that.

Paul · ‎19-03-2016

We all have to keep believing it Kaz. It's difficult to understand how some people think, hopefully that skill is bestowed upon younger generations who will take over control of what limited control of the country the "people" have.

Flirtie · ‎24-03-2016

Just as with any programme it can be developed into a better program. There are a couple of things that I am aware of that sound like they could be reframed and I have spoken with a trans child who identified them to me.

Those aspects are probably the the catalyst for doubt in some minds but they are certainly minor.

This progressive programme should in my veiw be even more broadly developed to ensure all bullying is crushed. It is critical to all who are bullied at school that they be allowed a safe and inclusive environment to learn.

The Christian right is so used to bullying they know no other way. The coercion they apply to indoctrinate people and children to their own belief system is to them the only way they think it is possible to learn. It is unfortunate that they have no real empathy but it is what they believe that stalls their mental capacity in my opinion.

Safe schools as it works interferes with the control they have over their children and teaches them true empathy and acceptance, something that would change the future of this country. Conservative politicians certainly do not want that society they would not fit.

Gruffudd · ‎24-03-2016

I tend to agree, but have trouble with a belief stalling mental capacity, I can't see violence and bullying being anything but deliberate behaviour and the same deliberate behaviour exists in attempts to justify, and the objection to Safe Schools is just that, I don't want to let them abrogate their responsibility to respect the human rights of others. I think it is more horrific to think they are making this as a conscious thought out choice, and intend the harm that is caused - but that is how it would seem to me. It is after all the same group that wants to be exempt from the legislation that prohibits vilification of a group when taking part in discussion of marriage equality.