Camden Council has launched an anti-bullying campaign with new signage on three of its waste collection trucks.
The campaign was devised after bullying was identified as the number one issue affecting young people within the community through the work council does with high schools and its youth council.
“It is alarming to think that so many students are affected in some way by bullying and is one of the most common problems affecting young people today,” says Mayor Lara Symkowiak.
“We want to combat this issue and hope that the messages will inspire young people and members of our community to stand up and speak out against bullying behaviour.”
Member of Camden youth council and current young citizen of the year Lubna Sherieff says that bullying is something that young people deal with too often.
“Bullying is still a thing for young people. It not only happens at school, but online as well which means some teenagers can never really escape it,” Miss Sherieff said.
“We think it’s important that we bring anti-bullying messages into the spotlight.
“If just one person is able to look at these trucks and make a better, healthier choice about their lives – whether they are a bully or at the end of bullying – then that would be so worthwhile,” she said.
“We didn’t want the signage to be like the generic messages we see in most anti-bullying campaigns.
“We wanted it to stand out, so people could remember it later on and hopefully take action.”
The wording on the trucks includes: Bullying is garbage, stand up and speak out! and Bullying stinks, stand up and speak out!.
Contact details for Kids Helpline and Lifeline are part of the messages on the garbage trucks.
Kids Helpline is available for young people aged five years to 25 years anytime and for any reason – free call 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
“In 2017, we received more than 3,500 contacts from children and young people about bullying,’’ says yourtown CEO Tracy Adams.
“It’s important young people know where to go for help.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“The trucks cover a lot of territory and will help create that awareness across the community,” Ms Adams said.[/social_quote]
Anyone who needs help can call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
