There are those who say school years are the happiest days of one’s life.
But try telling that to a 12-year-old girl who has been bullied so mercilessly she wants to kill herself.
Bullying at Mandurah schools is out of control, according to a group of local parents who have set up a Facebook page devoted to holding educational establishments responsible for what goes on while students are in their care.
COMBATS stands for Completely Over Major Bullying At The Schools, and when these parents say they are “completely over” bullying, they mean it.
“Enough is enough,” COMBATS co-founder Gracie Reilly said.
“We are fed up with our children being bullied and the lack of action from their schools.
“We will do whatever it takes to get this situation changed.”
The Mandurah Mail met with Gracie and two other COMBATS members – Shellie and Julie – on Monday.
All three have daughters at a local high school they say is akin to a war-zone.
“There are kids who’ve had their hair set on fire and been stabbed with compasses,” one of the members said.
“My daughter has been sent obscene messages; she has been attacked in front of teachers.
“The school is not doing anything about it.”
Included among the text messages sent to one of the member’s daughter were threats of gang rape, and suggestions she should “hurry up and die already”.
The abuse has seen a previously bright and friendly girl turn to self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
Another member’s daughter was assaulted so badly she thought her cheekbone had been broken.
Yet another endures physical attacks on a daily basis on the bus to school.
“It’s horrifying,” Mrs Reilly said.
“What’s it going to take for schools to do something?
“Does a child have to be killed?
“Does a child have to kill themselves?”
The COMBATS members said every child had the right to a safe learning environment.
Since going live they have been overwhelmed with new members seeking action from local schools and a commitment to hold bullies accountable for their actions.
“Schools are not enforcing the Education Department bullying policy,” Mrs Reilly said.
“We need as many supporters as possible to get behind this.”
When the Education Department was contacted for comment a statement was received from the principal at a local high school.
"Our school has very few ongoing issues around bullying," the statement read.
"From time to time most schools have isolated incidents of friction between two students or small groups of students.
"These incidents are not reflective of the wider school community, and with support from school staff, parents, and the school’s youth worker, we are usually able to resolve personal conflict between students.
"We have targeted early intervention strategies involving small groups of students working with our youth worker about how we can all live our core values of courtesy, care, cooperation and courage.
"The emphasis is on getting on with others, being respectful of others and building resiliency.
"The school takes strong action towards the students involved in disruptive or violent behaviour towards others including suspension and other sanctions.
"In the incident raised by the Mandurah Mail [a student being assaulted in front of a teacher two weeks ago] the student who instigated the conflict was immediately given a 10-day suspension and escorted off the school grounds.
"Victims are offered support and counselling. Instigators are counselled, and consequences for continued bullying behaviour are made very clear.
"As well as sanctions for the students directly responsible for inappropriate behaviour towards others, we also have a range of whole school initiatives to promote anti-bullying to all students and work closely with local police and other agencies to support this.
"Our psychologist and youth worker work hard to support those students and their families and where appropriate, have liaised with external agencies as well, so it is essential that parents and caregivers support us by reinforcing good behaviour habits at home.
"Bullying is a complex social issue that does not start and end at the school gate.
"We strongly urge parents and the wider community to continue to support the school’s efforts in working with young people in conflict so they can get on with learning."
If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
