Braybrook College students spent time with Melbourne AFL players Jack Watts and Lynden Dunn last month to discuss cyber bullying. Picture: SUPPLIED
STUDENTS from Braybrook College joined more than 100 pupils from across Victoria in a bid to put an end to cyber bullying.
With social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter playing enormous roles in teenager’s lives, students from across the state joined Melbourne Football Club identities Jack Watts and Lynden Dunn to discuss how school students and elite football players can behave safely and responsibly online.
Digital Demons, which took place last month, was a joint initiative of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Melbourne Football Club.
The students presented a code of conduct to the players at a second MCG session on 30 August.
Braybrook College student Rachel Cerar said she was proud to be helping AFL players and fellow students deal with such an important issue.
“I really like hearing everyone’s perspectives on social media because it plays such an important role in our lives,” the teenager said.
“We need to educate people about responsible use, which is why having Melbourne Football Club players involved as ambassadors will be a big help in getting the message out about using social media sites in an appropriate manner.”
For young Demon Jack Watts cyber bullying is an issue close to his heart.
“A friend of mine back in school struggled with bullying so badly that he didn’t even come to school for a little while, so it’s great to be involved in something like this,” Watts said.
Victorian Education Minister Martin Dixon welcomed the program and said it empowered students to act as ambassadors for safe and responsible social media use in all walks of life.
