Labor bully stance belted

Policy outdated, tired and unfunded, says Rockliff

THE State Government has hosed down Labor’s reinstated pledge to introduce social and emotional learning programs to all Tasmanian schools, calling it an “unfunded promise”.

Labor on the weekend recalled its 2015 commitment to roll out compulsory social and emotional learning programs in schools, while attacking the Government for acting too slow to address its pre-election promise to make cyber-bullying a crime.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the Government was working to eradicate bullying in schools, 11 months after the Hodgman Government vowed to make cyberbullying an offence.

“The Government is getting on with the job of providing safe and supportive school communities, free from bullying, harassment and violence,” he said.

“Our schools are utilising Respectful Relationships Education resource, and recently, the Government partnered with Relationships Australia to deliver the Speak Up Stay Chatty program in schools over the next four years.”

All schools in Tasmania are required to have anti-bullying plans in place to deal with bullying and cyber-bullying.

Results from a survey revealed in the Mercury’s Tasweekend Magazine revealed that up to 12 kids in every classroom of 30 were being bullied.

Opposition health spokes- woman Sarah Lovell said the Government needed to provide solutions to cyber-bullying.

“Introducing SEL programs into the classroom of every Tasmanian public school will help give all children the opportunity to develop personal and social competence,” she said.

“[It would help] manage their emotions and behaviours, perceive and understand other people’s emotions and viewpoints and form positive relationships.”

Mr Rockliff labelled Labor’s call for a SEL program in schools As a “rebadge of old, tired, unfunded promises of years gone by”.

“It’s time Labor got serious and did their homework.”