REPORT THAT SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL CAMPUS VIOLENCE IS WORSE

THE SAMMY D FOUNDATION RESPONDS TO REPORT THAT “SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL CAMPUS VIOLENCE IS WORSE NOW THAN PRE-PANDEMIC”

Following reports published today in the Adelaide Advertiser, “South Australian school campus violence is worse now than it was pre-pandemic” (Thursday, June 16, Page 4) The Sammy D Foundation’s CEO, Brigid Koenig, highlights the continued need for support for its school-based bullying and violence prevetion programs across South Australia.

“The number of school-based incidents reported by the Advertiser and Education Department today is extremely concerning, and we agree with Australian Education Union SA president Andrew Gohl in that extra learning support for children is vital to help reduce violence.” Said, Ms. Koenig

“The Sammy D Foundation has been working tirelessly over the past 13 years to deliver its school-based programs addressing the impacts of bullying and violence, and as a result, we have shown that 96% of program attendees highlighted that they were more aware of the impacts of bullying and violence and 96% highlighted that were made aware of methods to keep themselves and mates safe in such a situation.

“These figures for incidents in the 2021 school year are highly alarming but only highlight the need for our programs more than ever, especially as 2021 saw government restrictions imposed which resulted in our Sammy D Foundation team not being allowed into schools due to COVID.

“The reality is that 2021 was a hard year for everyone and our hearts go out to all the kids and teachers who have had the manage the disconnect that comes with hybrid learning between the classroom and home..Now that schools are 100% back to in-person learning, it‘s crucial for the Sammy D Foundation to get out to as many schools as possible and deliver our message on bullying and violence prevention, but we can’t do that without funding.

“The previous state government did not continue our funding in 2021 and as a not-for-profit Foundation, we now work within our means to deliver as many programs as possible. If the state government were to step in and reinstate our annual funding, we would be able to work in partnership with government to reduce violence in our state. .”