THE importance of managing anger and making safe choices were front and centre on Monday when 700 students from Bellbird Park State Secondary College took part in the Pat Cronin Foundation’s Violence is Never Ok presentation.
The foundation has reached about 350,000 teenagers nationwide, including 12,000 students across South East Queensland, with sessions that share the story of 19-year-old Pat Cronin who was struck by a “coward punch” while trying to help a friend during a night out in Melbourne in 2016.
Although he initially stayed on his feet to check on his mates, Pat soon collapsed with a catastrophic brain bleed.
Two days later, his parents faced the devastating decision to turn off his life support.
Foundation Director Matt Cronin, Pat’s father, said the tragedy had driven his family to ensure others were spared from the same ordeal – along the way creating a national initiative.
“Every year, thousands of Australians end up in hospital because of assaults. One thoughtless act can cause lifelong damage – or cost a life,” Mr Cronin said.
“We started the foundation to give young people the tools to walk away from conflict before it turns into something far worse.
“The response from schools has been extraordinary, and it’s why we’re delivering programs nationwide. Right now we’re actively seeking assistance from the Queensland Government to extend the program locally.”
Bellbird Park’s Head of Year 9, Pippa West, said the messages were valuable for teenagers as they prepared to step into the social world and for lives beyond school.
“I read about the program and thought it was particularly relevant for students in Years 9 and 10 as they are at a critical stage in adolescent development,” she said.
“Like many schools, we have also embraced this initiative because we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment.
“Learning how to regulate emotions before they escalate into conflict or physical aggression are critical skills, and closely complement our Wellbeing Program.”
In September alone, almost 8000 students across Australia will attend one of the foundation’s three core presentations.
The foundation’s cornerstone presentation, Violence is Never OK, shares Pat’s story and uses real-life scenarios to help students understand the impact of a single, violent act.
