Champions
Robin Sullivan
Queensland Commissioner for Children and Young People
Would you tell us about yourself and your role as the Commissioner for Children and Young People?
As Commissioner for Children and Young People, I have a responsibility to advocate for and protect the well being of Queensland children and young people up to 18 years old.
I can also look into complaints about services provided to these children and young people. Community Visitors from the Commission regularly visit young people in out of home care, and we consult with and listen to children and young people about issues of importance to them. Bullying and harassment is one of these issues.
How have your experiences affected your own awareness of the challenges facing school students these days?
As a former high school teacher and principal, and now as Commissioner for
Children and Young People, I admire how most young people are able to confidently
cope with a complex world. But I also know that some face many challenges,
including bullying and harassment.
What kinds of behaviours do you associate with bullying and harassment?
These can take many forms, from name calling to physical harm. At present I am particularly concerned at an increase in bullying and harassment of non-English speaking background students, recent refugees in particular. I have been dismayed to hear that some of these young people are denying they belong to a particular cultural group for fear of being bullied and harassed.
How can the school community (staff, carers, community members) respond to support children and young people in reducing these behaviours?
I think schools and their staff, students and parents should lead the way in showing the broader community that with respect, understanding and trust, Australians can live together harmoniously.
What do you think would help create a greater sense of friendship and community in schools and society?
I have a lot of faith in the idealism of our children and young people. We need to harness this so that schools become the model for how adults should behave in a world that needs more tolerance and understanding of difference.
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