Australian radio and tv personalities Ruby Rose, Dylan Lewis and James Mason talk about their own experiences of being bullied at school in a new video launched by headspace to coincide with the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence on March 16. headspace is also giving parents the opportunity to get together via a lively online forum discussion and share stories, experiences and advice with other parents going through similar challenges.
The forum, running from 1 – 2pm EDT today, Friday 16th March, will be moderated by headspace mental health professionals and will also provide the opportunity to ask questions and get expert advice.
To access the forum visit the headspace website: blog.headspace.org.au
Chris Tanti, headspace CEO, said “headspace hopes the forum will give parents a better understanding of bullying, provide a sense of community so they don’t feel alone and finally give them tools they need support their children through situations involving bullying.”
DJ and TV personality, Ruby Rose says she was verbally abused, physically abused and tormented on a day-to-day basis throughout her high school years. Radio presenter, Dylan Lewis, said that he was ostracised and a loner that didn’t fit in anywhere at school. The verbal abuse that Neighbours actor, James Mason, suffered at school made him so frightened that he didn’t want to leave the house.
Along with personal stories of bullying, other headspace ambassadors such as, rock group Stonefield, Richmond AFL player Dan Jackson and X Factor finalist Tyla Bertolli, appear in the video to highlight the seriousness of the issue and what young people can do to cope with bullying.
Chris Tanti said he wants people to understand that bullying is not simply ‘part of growing up’.
“Bullying is a serious issue that can have a devastating impact on the physical and mental health of a young person. We know that young people who are bullied are more likely to suffer from depression and have suicidal thoughts and we’ve heard enough incidences in the media lately where bullying has lead to tragedy,” he said.
Tyla Bertolli has also recorded a song about bullying called Different which can be downloaded for free at the headspace website: headspace.org.au