Students turn to the courts for relief from bullies

The bought and paid for media is reporting on how children as young as 10 are turning to the courts to get apprehended violence orders to protect themselves from other students, with as many as 613 being issued last year.

The trend is a worrying trend and teachers have lashed out saying that having to separate disputing parties is disruptive to schools. Psychologists claim that children are being failed by adults when the only option for protection is to seek an AVO from the court.

Wagga Wagga's Senior Constable Steven Johnson said some students were taking out AVOs against fellow classmates in a sort of arms race or "one upmanship". When they come into conflict with a rival they threaten them with the AVO.

The trend shows problems with bullying policies in NSW schools, no surprise really when you read about how some teachers threaten other staff without disciplinary action, students are roughly treated and encourage students to have fights. This kind of behaviour by school staff sets an example for students that shows this kind of behaviour is acceptable.