Free 'Stop bullying with UON' seminar

Tuesday, 12 November 2013

The University of Newcastle is hosting a free "Stop Bullying with UON" seminar on Saturday 16 November for Hunter and Central Coast parents interested in helping their school-age children cope with bullying.

Stop Bullying with UON seminar

The Family Action Centre at the University of Newcastle provides professional development training across Australia for the internationally-respected Rock & Water Program, which teaches practical anti-bullying strategies for children.

Since 2002 more than 15,000 teaching professionals have been trained through the University of Newcastle's Family Action Centre across Australia.  Internationally the Rock & Water program has trained over 35,000 professionals in 14 countries.  As a result more than two million children worldwide have now been taught the Rock & Water approach.

"Children learn alternatives to aggressive verbal and physical responses to fear and doubt," said Rock and Water Founder and educationalist Freerk Ykema, who will lead the free seminar at The Forum, University Drive Callaghan Newcastle.

"Children also learn thinking skills and the value and being in control, through grounding, centeredness and mental focus. Self-respect, self-control and self-confidence are important outcomes of the program," he said.

Discussion topics for parents will include building resilience against bullying and other anti-social behaviours as well as helping children set life goals.

Parents will learn how they can support their child, their school and their community by incorporating the Rock & Water philosophy, skills and language at home.

With a reported one-in-four Year Seven to Nine students bullied every few weeks or more in Australia, parents can play an integral role in achieving a whole school and whole community approach to stop bullying.

"Parents can make all the difference in how a child copes with being bullied by others or bullying other children, but many feel they lack the tools to help," said Family Action Centre Acting Director, Penny Crofts.

"That's why we are delighted to be able to offer this free community seminar while we have Freerk Ykema visting the University.Parents of children 4 – 18 years are invited to attend the free "Stop Bullying with UON" Rock & Water Seminar to be held at The Forum, 11.30-12.30pm Saturday16 November 2013.  Parents can book on a first-come basis at The Family Action Centre FAC-events@newcastle.edu.au or phone 4921 6403.

Contact

  • Sheena Martin
  • Phone: +612 4985 4171

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