As the Walk for Awareness at Bywash Park in May showed the Bundaberg community’s commitment to create change and send a clear message that domestic and family violence will not be tolerated, it was wonder for organisers to see so many school students in attendance and supported by their teachers.
With many programs based around educating school aged children in order to help eradicate domestic and family violence from communities, local schools throughout the Bundaberg region have teachers who are trying to send a clear message that it is not acceptable and respect is key.
Bundaberg Today asked local educators and supporters of local organisations such as not-for-profit community-based organisation supporting domestic and family violence support services EDON Place why it is so important to continue to teach respect in our young men.
Shalom College principal Dan McMahon said young men need good men to model how to treat all others, especially women.
“A young man will watch their dads and other significant males in their lives and how they interact with their partners,” he said.
“They need men in their lives who won’t give themselves a pass, ever, by saying, ‘she (or someone) made me mad’.
“They need to see men who can take responsibility for their own emotional responses – it’s no one else’s fault.
“Schools have a big role to play in this but schools will only be effective if we work with parents and not against them.
“In a school setting, I love seeing male teachers develop positive relationships in class and as coaches and as mentors.
“Treating all people, respectfully, all of the time is a cornerstone for a healthy life, a healthy family, a healthy school and a healthy society.”
This sentiment was shared by Bundaberg Christian College principal Paul Thompson who said educators played a key role in teaching, promoting and modeling respectful relationships.
“At Bundaberg Christian College and in partnership with parents, we integrate this into our learning and wellbeing programs to educate and empower our students,” he said.
“Educators also play a very critical role in recognising risks and harm.
“Keeping children safe is of the utmost importance—and everyone in a school community, from teaching staff, to support staff and volunteers—has a role to play.
“This includes participating in the necessary training.”
For St Luke’s Anglican School principal Matthew Hughes, as a principal, but also as a father of three girls, the issue of domestic and family violence is something of significant concern.
“All men have a role to play in forging a future free of violence towards women and children, and we are fortunate to have incredible role models at St Luke’s,” he said.
“As educators we have significant contact with, and impact on, the students in our care, and so beyond role modelling St Luke’s has invested in programs for all our students to help raise amazing young people with a good understanding of the importance of respectful relationships.“
Volunteering as president of EDON Place and director at Brave Brothers, while also a father himself, Scott Lamond said he firmly believes that if more young men understand the fundamentals of healthy relationships our community would be a better place to live.
“Positive male role models exist through sport, work and social networks and they are all super important,” he said.
“If they share the message that respect, trust and consideration in relationships is key, then that will make a huge difference.
“Hopefully, through the education and awareness of various agencies we will start seeing more young men demonstrating positive behaviours and they themselves will become positive role models.
“If young people feel empowered to speak up and not accept poor behaviour by their peers then this will also help.
“Speaking and sharing information around healthy relationships is important but I’ve learnt that listening is an excellent tool. Being able to provide resources and guidance is critical too.”
Scott highlighted that when he is fortunate enough have the opportunity to address young people, he reminds them that change won’t happen unless they are the champions who drive it.
“They need to, in some cases, break the cycle.
“They need to stand up and be heard.
“Talk, listen and care for your mates.
“Check in.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out for help.“
