Central residents of all ages can get behind Bullying Free New Zealand week, culminating in Pink Shirt Day celebrating diversity this Friday May 20.

Sticks ’n’ Stones chief executive Karla Sanders said there were a range of activities happening in Central across the week.

“Students have come up with various ideas and different things are happening in our schools which is great.”

Postivity pick me up jars with handwritten notes are being created by students and volunteers across the Central, along with activities such as a bake sale at Clyde School, a display of creative individual crayons for the Alexandra Primary School window, and glitter jars to help encourage people to breathe. Goldfields Primary was doing a set of positive affirmations and spray painting boards too.

Karla Sanders, chief executive of Sticks 'n' Stones wants to hear your thoughts on what needs to change for Aotearoa to be bullying free. You can record your thoughts here.

Karla said some schools are taking a break from formal learning to run fun games and activities on Friday afternoon to create conversations about what it would take for Aotearoa to be free of bullying.

Data shows fifteen percent of 15-year-olds in Aotearoa report frequent bullying – the highest in the OECD and double the OECD average. A further 32% of students report being bullied at least a few times a month.

“Our statistics are shameful and we need to do more…. In New Zealand we have young people who are neurodiverse or members of the rainbow community… and any young person who is perceived to be different is experiencing bullying,” Karla said.

Research carried out by Sticks ’n’ Stones in 2019 showed that one in four young people in Central had experienced bullying in the previous six months. The highest type of bullying was verbal. 

“There is no differentiation between online and in person really, cyber bullying is a component of most verbal bullying now,” Karla said.

There is a talk on Wednesday night at The Terrace School in Alexandra “Supporting your kids to use social media safely” and everyone is welcome to attend.

Topics will cover setting up accounts safely, who can see what you post and tips for helping to keep things positive.

“It’s about how do you begin a conversation with young people…and use social media in the safest possible way. 

“We want open conversations about the differences between social media and real life…. There is exposure to highly sexualised content quite early now… how are we building self esteem and building self talk."

“When fitting-in and belonging are confused there can be a huge range of issues… it is a basic human need to belong.”

Sticks ‘n’ Stones is turning ten next year and Karla said that momentum is really beginning to build for the work of the organisation.

“We’ve got the biggest team we’ve ever had… we’re working to be able to empower and train young people in schools and our year three and four emotional literacy project [that started last year] develop further.”

Shaun Robinson, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation said bullying in Aotearoa is a real problem. 

“We have the third-highest rate of school bullying out of 36 OCED countries, and 1 in 10 workers feels discriminated against or bullied at work. Those who are bullied are far more likely to experience mental health issues. “

By wearing a pink t-shirt on Friday, you’re showing a commitment to creating a kinder, more inclusive Aotearoa where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion or cultural background.”

Campaign poster Pink Shirt Day 2022

High school students who had been bullied weekly or more often were four times more likely to experience significant depressive symptoms than students who had been bullied infrequently or not at all. 

Ministry of health numbers show the number of young people experiencing anxiety or depression has steadily increased in the past years. 

Anyone in Central can register to attend online expert discussions, put together by Sticks 'n' Stones, about what it would take for New Zealand to be bullying free, use links below: 

• Tuesday May 17, 7-8pm Panel discussion with experts from across the inclusion, leadership and youth sectors.
• Thursday May 19, 7-8pm Youth panel discussion about the changes needed for bullying to be a thing of the past.

For more on charitable organisation Sticks 'n' Stones see their website . Info on Pink Shirt day, or to register your event see: https://www.pinkshirtday.org.nz