We must confront bullying

NO SCHOOL is immune to the disgrace that is bullying.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a state school in the roughest of neighbourhoods or the most expensive private school, bullying is an unfortunate but unacceptable occurrence that rears its ugly head from time to time.

It’s every parent and child’s worst nightmare to be a victim of cruel words or acts.

And for most, being the parent of a bully is a gut-wrenching realisation.

But where there is a problem, it’s important that it’s highlighted and not swept under the carpet.

In the recent case at Thuringowa State High School, shocking footage emerged of a teacher putting her body on the line in an attempt at stopping a child being injured after a fight broke out.

As a result of the incident, school students have now been charged by police, which any parent will find troubling.

The school survey also shows children and staff are becoming increasingly concerned for their safety while at school.

Schools need to take a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and violence.

But if it takes a village to raise a child, it takes an entire school community to ensure the facility and the children it’s educating thrive.

Parents, teachers and students need to band together to help stamp out this sort of behaviour and allow what will be the majority to learn in a safe environment.

In the local debate over water security for Townsville, common sense seems to have prevailed.

The Bulletin applauds our community leaders for coming together yesterday and agreeing on a position regarding the second stage of the Haughton Pipeline project.

Good community outcomes are far more important than politics and the best thing about North Queenslanders is that we know, fundamentally, there is more that unites us than divides us.