By CASEY NEILL
SAFETY, peer pressure and unemployment are the biggest issues facing young people in Greater Dandenong.
One Year 10 student told the SpeakOUT Youth Summit at Springvale Town Hall last Tuesday about a friend who feared leaving her house because of bullying.
She said the harassment was taking place online and at school and was targeting her friend for her blonde hair and singing talent.
“They make fun of her to such an extent she wanted to take her own life,” she said.
The student was among 200 from 10 schools across the municipality who took part, and said her friend had sought help.
City of Greater Dandenong youth and family services co-ordinator Katharina Verscharen said the event was held biannually and fed into the council’s youth strategy.
“Today’s very much about young people having a voice,” she said.
“If they’re investing in decisions, they’re more likely to participate.”
Ms Verscharen said their views could help to effectively direct limited resources.
The day-long event started with presentations from experts about issues like disability access, drugs and alcohol, healthy relationships and cyber bullying.
Students then used butchers paper and textas to highlight their favourite things about Greater Dandenong, and the issues they’re facing.
The Drum Theatre, libraries, multiculturalism, accessibility and parks were among students’ favourite things about their city.
Peer pressure was a common problem, the teens said, including friends egging them on to take risks and pressure to drink alcohol.
“I went to a party and the first rule was you had to have a shot,” one girl said.
Students said they were worried about gang violence and encountering “druggies” in the streets, and several spoke about unemployment holding them back.
“If kids had something to do there wouldn’t be this much trouble,” one said.
“There are just no jobs.”
One girl said she wanted to join local sporting teams but financial stress meant she was “always stuck at home”.
Students also discussed where they turned to for help and support, and were informed about services like Kids Help Line.
The afternoon was about team building and confidence and featured circus arts, hip-hop, African drumming and more.
