By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A KEY advocate in bringing Headspace to Dandenong has urged the Casey community to do more to curb cyber bullying.
Monash Berwick Student Union president Dani Rothwell has called on school communities in the municipality to put an emphasis on discussing depression and mental health with students, a need she said is typified by the often insidious nature of social media.
“In this area of Casey, schools need to talk about mental health in the health program.
“We need to make seeing a councillor ‘OK’,” she said.
“A lot of young people get quite obsessed with using social media to publicise emotions.
“Putting a negative image of yourself out there can make it worse. Other people then take advantage of internet anonymity.”
In 2012 Ms Rothwell was integral in lobbying Holt MP Anthony Byrne to hold a community summit on suicide, leading to the Headspace youth organisation being set up in Danadenong, with another facility now planned for Fountain Gate.
Ms Rothwell said it was imperative to keep lobbying for a Casey-based Headspace because the area needed it.
“City of Casey is growing exponentially, it has the highest percentage of youth and it follows that there will be a higher rate of suicide,” she said.
“People fall through the cracks. Schools have woken up a bit and implemented plans but more can be done.”
City of Casey Manager Youth and Family Services Colette McMahon said the Casey Youth Suicide Steering Committee (YSSC), which was formed in 2012, had made inroads in investigating the issue in the municipality and would continue its work.
“The YSSC were instrumental in many outcomes for the Casey community and these will be outlined at a briefing to the council in the near future,” she said.
“Tackling suicide is complex and requires effort at a number of levels, including working directly with schools, parents and families.
“Any suicide is a tragedy and has far reaching effects on immediate family, friends and in the broader community.
“Building resilience within a community can prevent further critical incidents.
“Resilience is built through a sense of connectedness and availability of counselling and mental health services that enhance protective factors among young people, their families and community leaders.”
Ms Rothwell’s call also comes as Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan launched Cyber Safety Kits for local residents on Tuesday.
Mr Donnellan said the kits, which will be available from his office, specialised in four areas of cyber bullying.
“There is a great range of tips in the kits, which cover everything from internet banking to digital footprints, cyber bullying and protecting personal information,” he said.
Mr Donnellan said it was important that all residents and families knew about the risks as well as the benefits of the internet.
“The internet has been revolutionary in changing our lives.
“We do banking, keep in touch with friends, check the news, listen to music and research through it,” Mr Donnellan said.
“With that revolutionary change, families need to be equipped to protect their kids and individuals need to be equipped to protect their private information.”
The kits are available upon request from Mr Donnellan’s office, which can be reached on 9706 0566.
For help or information call Suicide Helpline Victoria on 1300 651 251, Lifeline on 131 114 or visit beyondblue.org.au.
