Battling bullying

Hanna Poswiat and Katie Pohlner have helped carry an important message of anti-bullying through their school community.

The pair organised Horsham West Primary School students to wear blue on Friday last week for Do It For Dolly Day, raising awareness about bullying and its effects.

They helped raise $590 for Dolly’s Dream, a charity set up in memory of Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett, aged 14, who took her own life after an extended period of bullying and cyberbullying.

Hanna said it was important to raise awareness for an issue which affects more people than some might think.

“Bullying is a very sad thing that happens to a lot of people, and can lead to what happened with Dolly,” she said.

“There needs to be more awareness about this because it happens more than you think.”

• People in need of support can call Kids Helpline, a 24-hour, seven day a week counselling service for Australian young people aged between five and 25 years. Call 1800 55 1800 or visit Kids Helpline website, www.kidshelpline.com.au.