Healthy Living & Safety

Cruel School Ain’t Cool

School can be a pretty harsh place sometimes, especially if you don’t fit in. There always seems to be some students who are just waiting to pick on someone else. They call that bullying. Gay and lesbian students can have a really hard time of it, especially at high school. If they are out about their sexuality they often get harassed – anything from dirty looks, snide remarks and insults to physical violence. If they keep quiet about their sexuality it can feel like they are cheating themselves. Why should they have to pretend to be something they’re not. When I was at high school I kept quiet about being gay and I think that was harder. I jumped every time someone said “Poofta” or “Faggot” because I thought they might be talking about me and I would get bashed or dropped by my friends.

That was a few years ago and things are slightly better these days. There are gay and lesbian people on TV, on shows like Big Brother and Queer as Folk. It’s not such a taboo subject but it can still be really hard for gay and lesbian students to come out to their friends. Everyone needs friends and no-one wants to be rejected or treated like dirt. Another thing has changed since I was at school. The Dept of Education has very strict rules against bullying now. Students can get expelled and schools can also be penalised if they don’t protect their students from bullies.

There are all sorts of different types of people around us. Some have disabilities. Some come from other countries or cultures. Some are gay or lesbian. Everyone has the right to be treated fairly and with respect in our society and it’s no different at school.

If you are a student who is gay or lesbian or think you might be don’t put up with harassment or bullying. Remember, your school has a legal obligation to prevent this happening to you. If you are getting a hard time and you don’t know what to do, talk to the Gay & Lesbian Telephone Counselling Service

(1800 184 527 4pm to midnight – 7days). You don’t have to deal with stuff all by yourself.

If you have a friend who tells you they are gay or lesbian, give them some support. They might really need you to tell them that you understand and care about them.

If you are someone who bullies or harasses gay and lesbian students, pull your head in. You could get into serious trouble. Besides that sort of behaviour is just plain stupid.

Robert Reynolds

Diverse Sexualities Access Worker
South Penrith Youth & Neighbourhood Services Inc.

Personal Safety Tips

MOBILE PHONES 

  • Keep your mobile phone out of sight when not in use
  • Ensure your phone has the following activated:
    • The Personal Identification Number (PIN)
    • The security code ( When the code is activated the phone will not work with another SIM card - the phone is then useless to thieves.

Refer to your mobile phone instruction book for details

On Public Transport

  • Check timetables to limit waiting periods at transport stops. If possible stand in a well lit area near other people
  • Have exact change ready
  • Try to sit near the driver when travelling
  • Arrange to be met or collected at your stop.

If you feel concerned about getting off at your stop, alert the driver

ATM & BANKING SAFETY

  • Try to avoid using an ATM by yourself. Either take someone with you or only use an ATM when others are around.
  • If possible, avoid using an ATM after dark. If you must, choose one that is well lit and does not have tall bushes nearby.
  • Look around. If you see anything that makes you uncomfortable or anyone who looks suspicious, do not stop. Either use an ATM at a different location or come back later. Notify police.
  • Have your access card ready when you approach an ATM.
  • If someone else is using the ATM, stay alert to your surroundings. Protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Do not enter your PIN if anyone else can see the screen or keypad. Use your body to shield your PIN from onlookers. Don't give your PIN out to others.
  • When your transaction is finished, be sure you have your card and your receipt, then leave immediately. Avoid counting or otherwise displaying large amounts of cash.
  • As you leave, be aware of anything suspicious. If you think you are being followed, go to an area with a lot of people and call the police.

Party Safe

When planning a night out: 

  • Plan how you are going to get home. Consider Pre booking a taxi.
  • Don’t get into a car with a drunk driver
  • Don’t accept drinks from strangers
  • Have a soft drink or water in between alcoholic drinks.
  • Don't leave your drink Unattended

 On the Street 

  • Tell someone where you'll be and what time you're supposed to return, or if you will be with someone you don't know well.
  • Don't wear music headphones while walking or jogging.
  • If you wear a purse with a shoulder strap, be prepared to let it go if snatched.
  • Always walk against the flow of traffic.
  • Minimise the amount of cash you carry.

OUT and ABOUT

  • Go with a friend or group if possible.
  • Avoid shortcuts or routes you are unfamiliar with. Stay to well lighted, well travelled streets if you are in an unfamiliar area.
  • Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
  • Carry purses close to the body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat pocket or front pants pocket. If you use a wheel chair, keep your purse or wallet tucked snugly between you and the inside of the chair.
  • If you use a backpack, make sure it is securely closed at all times.
  • Consider carrying a cell phone when you are not at home for any emergency or so that others may check on you.

REPORTING CRIME TO POLICE

  • Report all crime and threatening or suspicious incidents to the Police
  • Police can only act if they have information from the public
  • Your information may prevent something happening to others

Contact Numbers:

  • Penrith Police Station: (02) 47 219 444
  • St Marys Police Station: (02) 96 775 099
  • Police Assistance Line: 131 444
  • Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
  • Emergency: 000