Superheroes starring in clips to ‘save the day’ on cyber safety and a ‘values wristband’ to reward students for respect and teamwork are just some of the latest projects supported by the Victorian Government’s Bully Stoppers campaign.

Announcing the round four grant recipients today, Minister for Education, James Merlino, congratulated each school in developing innovative projects focused on cyberbullying and the theme of ‘Being Cool Online’ or ‘Speaking Up Against Cyberbullying’.

The selection panel comprised representatives from the Department of Education and Training, the Catholic Education Office Melbourne and Independent Schools Victoria.

This round’s 63 successful applications means that a total of 270 Victorian schools have received grants to help implement strategies or programs to prevent and respond to bullying.

Since this campaign to prevent bullying was launched in 2013, over $1.44 million in grants have been allocated.

Successful applicants comprise 73 government schools, three independent and 13 Catholic schools. Some projects will see schools working together to achieve outcomes for students.

Curriculum materials developed by schools as part of their projects will be added to the Bully Stoppers website to ensure all teachers and students benefit from each experience.

A full list of successful schools can be found at:  http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/bullystoppers/Pages/pringrantrecipients.aspx 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education, James Merlino

“The projects put forward by our teachers and students are innovative and thoughtful. They will help make life for kids and parents better.”

“The Andrews Labor Government and Victorian schools are working together to take a stand against bullying, particularly cyber bullying.”

“Bullying affects up to one in five young people, and the internet and social media means it can happen anywhere and anytime.”