Who are the cards for?

The cards were printed for all students in Years 6 – 10 in Australian schools.

Where did the idea come from?

The pocket card was trialled during National Safe Schools Week 2006. The feedback from staff and students was very positive and there were many requests for more cards. This project was supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

The pocket card messages

The pocket card reinforces the message that bullying and harassment are not acceptable behaviours at school or in the community. The key messages are:

1. Stopping bullying is everyone’s responsibility.
2. If someone is trying to bully you, there are things you can do.
3. If you have been bullied you need to talk to an adult and seek support.
4. Early action is important to effectively counter bullying behaviours.

Some ideas on the ways in which schools could use and distribute the cards.

The pocket cards provide an opportunity to inform school community members about the practices in place to counter bullying in schools.

School leaders/administrators can:

• ask students and staff for ideas about how to use the cards and implement suggestions
• discuss the content and potential use of the cards at staff meetings
• distribute the cards via the school newsletter or by placing copies of the card in prominent places such as the front office
• distribute the cards at specific times during the school day such as during roll call, at school assembly or school open days
• encourage teachers in key learning areas such as Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, Drama and English to make use of the cards when covering relevant lessons content related to bullying and harassment.

Teachers can:

• check with students about ideas suggested on the wallet card and how the card could be used in the school
• use the cards as a resource during roll call or class time
• have cards available to assist when issues of bullying are raised
• make use of the cards during lessons where bullying is addressed. Bullying. No Way! and National Safe Schools Week web sites provide some lesson content suggestions.

Students can:

• keep the card in your purse or wallet to refer to when needed
• discuss the content of the cards and its potential use at student council meetings and provide feedback to the school principal
• show the card to family and friends to share the strategies
• discuss with friends how to be effective bystanders whilst keeping themselves safe
• use the card to promote anti-bullying messages i.e. during drama performances and at school assemblies
• ring Kids Helpline or Net Alert for advice and support for yourselves or others.

Parents can:

• run a parent workshop or information session at a Parent and Citizen Association or Parent and Friends meeting at which the cards are distributed
• insert a copy of the card into the school’s newsletter with a paragraph explaining strategies that the school has in place to countering bullying
• have the cards available at the front office and at meetings where relationship issues are discussed.

Community members could:

• join school support professionals, other agency staff and community groups in distribution of the cards
• join in school plans for countering bullying and providing them with access to the wallet cards.

Will there be more pocket cards available?

1.5 million pocket cards were printed and distributed to Australian students this year. That print run was fully distributed.

There is now a small reprint of the cards, along with BNW posters, bookmarks and web stickers. For requests while the materials last, email pocketcards @ bullyingnoway.com.au

BNW would also appreciate your feedback eg:

• whether/how the cards have been useful
• how many extra cards you’d like and how you'd use the cards
• any suggestions for improving the cards or making them useful for other age groups

This information could help to inform future decisions about whether to print more cards – and how many. Email feedback to Chris Henderson.  webkeeper@bullyingnoway.com.au.

Thank you.

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