How have 1.7 million Australian students learnt how to use effective conflict resolution, manage their anger and look at violence and bullying in a new light? From engaging with our ‘Sticks & Stones K-6’ and ‘Sticks & Stones Yrs 7-10’ school programs.
The ‘Sticks & Stones’ anti-violence and anti-bullying programs are designed to help teach primary and high school students how to effectively manage violence and instil values of respect, self-esteem, empathy, friendship and cooperation. Through theatre and role-playing, primary school students are provided with the skills to find peaceful solutions to conflicts in the playground and how to control their anger. For high school students, the approach is modified to focus on aggressive and anti-social behaviour, the importance of building mutually respectful relationships and using non-violent solutions.
In addition to dealing with violence and bullying in schools, the ‘Sticks & Stones’ program also aims to break the cycle of violence including domestic and gender-based violence. Statistics show that one woman is killed every week in Australia by a current or former partner, close to half of all women (40%) have experienced violence since the age of 15 and childhood exposure to intimate partner violence increases the likelihood of intergenerational violence and children are at a higher risk of developing behavioural and learning difficulties*.
‘Sticks & Stones’ is the winner of an Australian Violence Prevention Award and teachers agree that this hands-on approach makes a great difference in tackling the problem of violence and bullying in schools:
“Excellent in-depth messages about conflict resolution and bullying, beautifully scripted and performed. Stimulated discussion, loved the singing and tricks. Spot on! 10/10.”
Avondale Primary School
“Awesome! Cool! Don’t fight. Speak out if you’re being bullied. Solve your problems by working together. Treat others how you want to be treated. Counsellors are there if you need to talk. Say NO to bullying!”
Forbes Primary School – Students
“Great way to teach conflict resolution and values. Excellent anti-bullying strategies!”
Good News Lutheran School
“Since the Sticks & Stones performance the number of people I have seen being bullied has decreased. That Brainstorm thing was the best way to get rid of bullying & I think every school should have it. Because of your show, I know how I should control myself & my actions.”
Student – Beecroft Public School
“Highly recommended. Sticks & Stones is the best performance I have ever seen on the bullying issue. All children were tuned in and knew what was happening. Some children who would normally be difficult were completely identifying with the characters. Could have heard a pin drop.”
Black Forest Primary School
“Very impressed! A great look at not only the effects of bullying but also the causes and more importantly the strategies to control aggression or bullying tendencies. Highly recommended!”
Mount Lilydale Mercy College
“Fantastic, 100% engagement from students! The content was very real and students can relate to the situations. The dialogue was excellent. Supports our anti-bullying, no harassment, welfare, no teasing policies and curriculum areas. Highly recommended.”
Batemans Bay High School
To further assist in the prevention of violence and bullying, schools are provided with a comprehensive range of resources that can be used in the classroom including curriculum-linked lesson plans, interactive whiteboard activities and an original song download for primary school students.
To find out more about ‘Sticks & Stones K-6’ click here.
To find out more about ‘Sticks & Stones Yrs 7-10’ click here.
For immediate help and support with violence
Anyone in immediate danger should call the police on Triple Zero (000).
If a student is experiencing violence in their own home or relationship or suspect a friend is, they should call the 24-hour national Sexual Assault, Family and Domestic Violence Counselling Line to speak with a trained trauma counsellor. 1800 RESPECT.
*Violence against women: Facts and figures, Compiled by Dr Michael Flood, Research Fellow, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, Health Sciences Faculty, La Trobe University (August 2008). Updated by White Ribbon Australia (November 2013).
