TEEN CALLS FOR ACTION ON BULLIES
A 16-YEAR-OLD bullying victim and young parliamentarian has called the Government to account for its failure to maintain order in the schoolyard.
Representing the Seat of Coomera in Queensland YMCA Youth Parliament, Daniel Chancellor has used his voice to bring attention to one of the most important issues plaguing his generation.
Daniel, who has been home schooled because of bullying, used his time in the Legislative Assembly to call for tougher punishments.
“The suicide of any Queensland student due to bullying represents partial failure on behalf of the school and the Queensland government,” he told the house last week.
“I want to use my Private Member Statement to propose the government could help be part of the solution. I believe that a bill detailing mandatory guidelines for schools to follow when considering punishment for a student regarding bullying would be a great step forwards.”
The teenager said the proposed guidelines would never include out-of-school suspension or expulsion. Speaking to the Bulletin, Daniel said it was vital he speak out.
“My personal experiences with bullying aside, the Coomera electorate has 19 different schools,” he said.
“There have been issues with suicides on the Gold Coast in the past so it is very important to make the next generation feel safer at school than I did.”
Daniel was one of 93 young members who participated in the annual youth Parliament. Enrolments are open for next years QYP.