Mum’s mission to stop bullying

SHE’S a mum on a crusade.

At Jindalee State School last Friday, Jindalee mum Lee Amundsen, has committed herself to helping to stop bullying in our local schools.

She is hoping to start a pilot program at Jindalee State School where her daughter goes, but Ms Amundsen said she still needed support from the wider community.

“I’ve been involved with Landmark Education, and have been doing a self expression and leadership program,” she said.

“I’ve always been passionate about children being able to look after themselves, and this program would help them do that.”

Ms Amundsen said the anti-bullying program would see a martial arts instructor take the course, teaching children self defence.

“There wouldn’t be any violence, it’s more learning how to get out of certain situations and how to build up their self confidence,” she said.

Ms Amundsen, who has three young children, said the statistics which see one in three children bullied, meant one of her own children would probably be a victim at some stage.

“The support for kids just doesn’t seem to be out there,” she said.

“I really want to create a huge support for children.”

Ms Amundsen said she would eventually like to see the program adopted in schools throughout Australia.

“We’re starting with all schools in the Jamboree Ward at the moment,” she said.

Ms Amundsen, who herself has had to talk to her daughter about bullying, said a lot of it started at home with the parents, and then with teachers at school.

“Parents play a big role,” she said.

“They need to listen to their kids and talk to their teachers.”

Anyone wanting to get involved or start this program at their school can contact Lee on 0411 699 523.

‘The support for kids just doesn’t seem to be out there.’

- Lee Amundsen