"I didn't know why young parenting women left. I just wished they would finish their education. Apparently bullying is a huge part
of their reasons for leaving school, and they think that they
won't be welcome back. It just never occurred to me."

...Teacher/librarian

Our large outer urban secondary school, realising the impact of bullying on pregnant teenagers and young mothers, has developed strategies to support these students in continuing their education.

Where It Began... Our teacher/librarian had a student who wanted to be the first person in her family to complete her schooling but then became pregnant. She tried to stay at the school but left as a result of ongoing harassment from other students and the unspoken attitudes of some members of staff.

Getting Started... The report Present, Pregnant and Proud, published by the Association of Women Educators, stimulated us to form a group to support our pregnant students and young mums.

How We Went About It... At our first meeting, we had an open forum and heard from our two students who were also mothers. They spoke candidly about their experiences as pregnant students. They were unhappy with aspects of the school culture which included bullying and physical threats from students; criticism, negativity and even hostility from some teachers, guidance and Administration; and a general feeling of not being made to feel welcome.

Through this discussion we identified strategies to support parenting students. These included:

• The need for teacher mentors to advocate on the student's behalf
• A student support network
• Special educational days when community health workers provide information about pregnancy, contraception, abortion, parenthood issues, etc
• More flexibility in timetables to allow time for parenting responsibilities
• Providing easy access to community support
• Flexibility of uniforms
• Improved channels of communication within the school
• The need for the school to keep in contact to encourage a return to school after pregnancy
• Holding meetings of interested staff members to continue to work towards making our school one where pregnant students and young mums can continue their education in a supportive environment free from bullying and harassment.
  

Some practical steps were implemented to assist students, but it was felt that the 'big picture' issue of the school culture has been critical - particularly a written anti-bullying and anti-discrimination policy.

The support group feels that, with such policies in place as a firm part of the school's ethos, within five years we will achieve our aim of making all of our students feel welcome and included.

What We Are Learning... Bullying and harassment have a long-term (and even generational) impact upon the lives of young pregnant and parenting teenagers, on their relationships, on their education and on their future wellbeing. We can make a huge difference through empowering parenting young women by supporting their participation in education.

"It never even occurred to me at the time that I could have offered her part-time schooling. Here I was doing it all the time for the
sporting kids. It is a whole culture change. It is easy
to do. Just put her in the system."

...Deputy principal

Quick search: Any words All words Phrase