Media Releases

Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh, joined with Education Minister Martin Dixon today in congratulating the 3 schools in the Swan Hill electorate who are among the first in the state to sign up to the Victorian Coalition Government funded $10.5 million eSmart cyberbullying program.
Lalbert Primary, Manangatang P-12 and St Mary’s Primary have all committed to the eSmart cybersafety program created by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
This program will be available to every government school across the state and 300 Catholic and independent schools over the next four years.
“I congratulate the 3 Swan Hill region schools, which have joined 400 schools across Victoria in becoming the first to register for eSmart,” Mr Dixon said.
“This shows just how serious these schools are about stamping out bullying and creating safe places where students can learn and support each other.”
Peter Walsh also expressed his concern over the growth of cyberbullying.
“This is an insidious form of bullying as it is done from a distance which is the hallmark of such bullies,” Mr Walsh said.
“There seems to be the impression that because it is carried out in this manner the perpetrators are safe from being caught out.
“The eSmart program will go a long way to assisting students deal with this form of bullying,” he said.
The Victorian Government will provide each school with $2000 to help them implement eSmart.
“Students today spend a lot of time the cyber world, so it’s important they are provided with the tools they need to stay safe in that space,” Mr Dixon said.
eSmart teaches students about protecting themselves from risks including cyberbullying and sexting, and also about the importance of protecting their own privacy and was developed by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation along with the RMIT School of Education and other education experts.
It will play a key role in delivering on the Victorian Government’s commitment to stamp out bullying, combat violence in schools and provide students and parents with the support they need.