Bully claims ‘rise fast’

By Michelle Herbison
OFFICIAL complaints of cyber bullying offences are mounting at Geelong and Corio police stations, according to a senior officer.
Leading Senior Constable Robbie Noggler said reports were “coming thick and fast over the counter” at the region’s police watch-houses.
Snr Const Noggler will conduct a free seminar for parents and children at St Joseph’s College this month on cyber-bullying and its consequences.
“The majority of kids these days are all on Facebook, even under the age of 13. Kids are committing offences without even knowing it,” Snr Const Noggler said.
The seminar would address parents’ “fear of the unknown” and children’s tendency to “treat it as a joke”, he said.
Brodie’s Law, introduced in June, could punish perpetrators of “serious bullying” with up to 10 years’ imprisonment, he warned.
The law was named for a bullying victim who committed suicide.
Snr Const Noggler said cyber-bullies could face 76 stalking-related and 38 cyber-related charges.
“This includes threats to kill, threat to inflict serious injury, conduct endangering life and many, many obscure charges relating to stalking. Basically, it’s comments made about people that cause fear and apprehension in them.
“It could be anything, like appearance or weight.”
Snr Const Noggler said police must receive official complaints in order to lay charges.
Attorney-General Robert Clark this week launched a Take a Stand Against Bullying campaign.
The campaign would distribute information about bullying and Brodie’s Law to more than 8000 Victorian schools, workplaces and police stations, Mr Clark said.
“Everyone is entitled to be safe in our community and no one should be forced to suffer from bullying.
“Authorities rely on information from the community to stamp out bullying, so if you or someone you know is being bullied, report it. All bullying is unacceptable, and serious bullying is a serious crime.”
Mr Clark said Department of Justice would conduct the campaign with VECCI, Victoria Police and Lifeline.
Brodie’s parents Damien and Rae Panlock said they were committed to raising awareness about the “very serious nature of bullying and its consequences”.
“We don’t want any family to endure what we’ve been through.”