Bullyproofing One School At A Time

On Monday, Ayrville State School hosted a powerful workshop titled "How to Be a Champion," led by Frank Mechler, the founder of the Bullyproof program. This initiative, designed to combat bullying in schools, goes beyond raising awareness by equipping students, teachers, and parents with essential skills, strategies, and frameworks to effectively resolve conflicts.

Frank Mechler was inspired to create the Bullyproof program after a tragic event deeply affected him—a close friend’s daughter, who had been severely bullied throughout her school years, ultimately took her own life. This heartbreaking experience motivated Mechler, who has over 27 years of experience teaching kung fu, to take action.

"I knew that awareness alone wasn’t enough," said Mechler. "Everyone was talking about bullying, but no one was giving the tools and frameworks necessary to resolve conflicts. That’s when I approached Jeff, a former school teacher, and Glen Rushton, an experienced athletic trainer, to create a program that could make a real difference.”

The Bullyproof program was initially launched in schools several years ago, but Mechler and his team quickly realized that working solely with students wasn’t enough to change the broader environment and culture. The key to lasting change, they found, was engaging all stakeholders, including teachers, staff, and parents.

Teachers, in particular, have been struggling with conflict resolution. Recent statistics reveal that 2,600 teachers have left their positions within the last year, with many lasting only five years in their roles. Mechler emphasised that teachers often lack the skills to manage conflicts effectively because such training is not typically included in their education.

The program, therefore, offers specific training for teachers in maintaining classroom standards, de-escalating conflicts, and working with parents to alleviate stress and anxiety.

The Bullyproof program is unique in its comprehensive approach, which includes training for every staff member—from teachers to cleaners and groundskeepers.

"Without our teachers, we have no future," Mechler stated. "Who will teach our students if we don't support our educators?"

Backed by a clinical psychologist and a team with over 100 years of combined teaching experience, the program ensures that participants learn how to be their best selves in conflict situations. To further support parents, the program is set to launch an app by the end of the year. This app will provide access to lesson plans, conflict resolution content, and a platform to report incidents, helping schools take proactive measures.

The program's reach is extensive, having already engaged with 80,000 schools and securing the largest partnership with the Queensland Police, involving $11.5 million in support for over 200 schools across Queensland. Mechler encourages other schools in Ayr to get in touch, emphasizing that true change comes when entire communities speak the same language.
Reflecting on the importance of resilience and early intervention, Mechler stated, "If not us, then who? If not now, when? Schools are currently in damage control, but our organization is all about prevention. We need to improve mental health and build resilience to conflict because the number one thing kids are anxious about is conflict. It takes a village to raise a child, and we all have a role to play in these children’s lives."

The Bullyproof program is committed to shifting from a mindset of "all care, no responsibility" to a model of shared responsibility. With the involvement of entire communities, there is hope for a safer and more supportive future for students everywhere.

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Participants of the Bullyproof workshop beaming like Champions

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