A new resource book for children and young people is being released to help them cope with bullying, harassment and discrimination in school and at work. The illustrated book has been published by YouthLaw with the help of the Legal Services Board. YouthLaw has been involved in some high profile bullying cases this year and believes that bullying, harassment and discrimination in New Zealand schools and workplaces is commonplace. Shae Ronald who is YouthLaw's senior solicitor, says school and workplace violence is common knowledge but not commonly acknowledged. Youthlaw believes that, because of scarcity of jobs, lack of workplace experience and knowledge, lack of status and sometimes self-esteem, young people often feel they have no choice but to endure workplace harassment in silence.
Inquiries received by the centre suggest that the problem is common.
Approximately 11 per cent of inquiries received from young people between June 1999 and July 2000 were about school violence. These do not include a number of cases where violence was only part of the issue. YouthLaw finds that complainants, having spoken out, almost always feel unsupported and invariably leave the school. This raises questions about how these factors are contributing to New Zealand's high suspension, truancy and drop out rates. Copies are also being provided free to young people who are being bullied or harassed at school or work.