It has been a shocking week for Queensland schools, with two separate alleged stabbing incidents just days apart.
Teachers have shared stories of bullying that turned into significant violence on talkback radio. And earlier this year, parents protested outside a central Queensland school, saying there had been zero consequences for perpetrators.
Thankfully in the Wide Bay we have not seen such violence or protests, but we are not immune to bullying within our education system.
A quick look at the Education Queensland site shows a thorough plan of attack for bullying — but is it actually working?
Media posed the question to Queensland's police minister Dan Purdie this week whether there would be an increased police presence in schools. He ruled it out, saying schools were "overwhelmingly safe".
Even if police presence were increased, even if school security included wanding powers, would it address the cause?
What causes bullying? Has antagonising and ridicule become the vocabulary of our young people until it spills over into a physical assault?
Would more teachers or better resourcing help? Or is intervention required at home?
No answers here, I'm afraid. While I don't exactly want to be crying "won't someone think of the children" from school rooftops, this is an important community issue.
They are our future, after all.
Peta Johansen
Editor, ABC Wide Bay
