By: Surinder Jain.
Over last few years, Hindu Council has been approached by Hindu parents concerned about Religious bullying that might be happening at their children’s schools. Hindu Council along with other faith organisations had approached the Education Minister Prue Car and has worked with the education department on how to fight religious bullying at schools.
We are pleased to announce that a new Religious Intolerance helpline has been established by the department of education.
( https://education.nsw.gov.au/news/latest-news/helpline-to-strengthen-school-communities)
This is a great step forward for students, families and communities. We are grateful to the Department of Education for their hard work on this, and to the Minister for Education for her commitment to seeing this through.
All staff, students and parents at NSW public schools can now access a new helpline to manage reports of religious bullying or intolerance. The new Religious Intolerance Helpline will provide information about what to do for those who have experienced or witnessed religious bullying or intolerance, and support school staff to manage reports of religious bullying or intolerance.
In the first instance, students, parents and carers should raise concerns about religious bullying or intolerance with their school, before accessing the helpline. The Religious Intolerance Helpline can be reached by calling 1300 679 332 and letting the operator know you are calling about religious bullying or intolerance.
More information about reporting religious bullying or intolerance can be found on the Religious intolerance webpage.
