QUT’s leading Australian authority on school bullying Professor Marilyn Campbell will feature in ABC Television’s new documentary, Bullied, with its world premiere tomorrow night.
The two-part documentary is hosted by Australian swimming champion Ian Thorpe who shines a spotlight on bullying in schools by exposing what bullied individuals experience firsthand.
Through the use of hidden cameras in school backpacks, bullied individuals gather video evidence of their ordeal which is then presented to their classmates in an effort to resolve the situation.
Professor Campbell from QUT’s Faculty of Education’s said the program gives voice to students who experience bullying, a widespread problem in schools across Australia.
“I was aghast when I was told nearly two years ago that bullied children would be using hidden cameras,” she said.
“I am now a strong advocate because we asked the kids what they thought and it’s had a tremendous impact on people who’ve seen it.”
Produced by KEO Films Australia and Lune Media, Bullied does not identify the adolescents who perpetrate the bullying.
Professor Campbell is filmed hosting voluntary group sessions with school students with the aim to help them understand the impact on the child being bullied.
“The response from the group sessions was incredibly positive,” Professor Campbell said.
“Here we were showing these kids and it triggered an emotional response that translated into action with kids asking ‘what can we do to help?’”.
Professor Campbell said the use of the video helped to foster empathy among the wider group of students.
She said there was an important role for guidance counsellors in schools and for parents to understand their children’s rights.
It is estimated one in four children are bullied with many more who witness it on a daily basis.
Bullied goes to air on ABC and ABC iview on Tuesday nights, March 14 and 21, 8.30pm.
Readers seeking support and information about bullying can contact Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
QUT Media contacts:
- Debra Nowland, QUT media officer (Mon, Wed, Thurs), 07 3138 1150 or media@qut.edu.au
- Rose Trapnell, QUT media team leader, after hours: 0407 585 901
