Let’s Talk: Is this the end of Safe Schools?

No doubt over the past few years you’ve read, heard and seen plenty of controversy about the Federal Government’s Safe Schools program.

The program which was an educational and anti-bullying program in schools across the country was widely criticised for its focus on sexuality and gender.

Last year the Federal Government pulled the pin on funding the program, and now the New South Wales Government has announced it’s ditching the program altogether.

It’s a decision that has earned praise from former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, a staunch opponent of the program.

He took to Twitter, claiming the program was a Gillard Government initiative.

“Good that NSW is scrapping so called Safe Schools, a social engineering programme dressed up as anti-bullying,” he tweeted.

“This was a Gillard govt programme, not – REPEAT NOT – an Abbott govt one.”

Good that NSW is scrapping so called Safe Schools, a social engineering programme dressed up as anti-bullying. 1/2

— Tony Abbott (@HonTonyAbbott) April 16, 2017

The New South Wales Government plans to introduce a new anti-bullying resource to schools.

“Bullying will never be tolerated in NSW public schools — whether it be because someone is overweight, gay, based on the colour of their skin or for any other reason,” State Education Minister Rob Stokes told the ABC.

“Students and parents should expect that schools are a place where they feel safe. Schools remain one of the most secure and trusted public institutions in our community.”

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten told the ABC that Labor be scrutinising any new proposals for anti-bullying programs.

“It is important that children go to school and are not bullied on the basis of their sexuality,” he said.

“Labor won’t take a backwards step from the principle that our teenagers going to school need every help to free from bullying.”

You might be wondering why this news is making headlines?

Well, the New South Wales Government is the first state government to pull the program.

In both the ACT and Victoria the governments there are working on how to fund the program on their own when the federal funding runs out in July.

What do you think? Are you happy to see the end of Safe Schools? What should it be replaced with?