Aussie Mum & Primary School Teacher’s new book aims to put a spotlight on bullying

Aussie Mum & Primary School Teacher’s new book aims to put a spotlight on bullying

 We all like to think that bullying is less prevalent in Aussie schools these days, but as many teachers and parents know, sadly this isn’t always the case.

 Sunshine Coast based Aussie Mum & primary school teacher Lisa Edgar says bullying in our society has become quite systemic and suggests we need to have conversations about it with our children from a young age. To stimulate these conversations she has recently written & published her first children’s book titled ‘The Playground Hero’.

“As a primary school teacher and a mum, I’ve spent a lot of time around children. And in doing so I’ve seen a lot of bullying, and I’ve also seen many acts of kindness. I wrote this book to put a spotlight on both of these topics and to hopefully give parents a tool to influence their children in a positive way,” she says.

The Playground Hero is a heartfelt and beautifully illustrated story about a school boy named Jack who doesn’t have any friends, and explores the hurtful feelings of being lonely, isolated and bullied. It also shows how sport can be a great way to bring a group of very different kids together and find common ground.

 According to the Australian Government’s Institute of Health & Welfare, 60% of children aged 8-12 years have experienced 2 or more bullying behaviours which can include verbal, physical, social and cyber bullying. Children victims of bullying are also more likely to have poor academic performance, at risk of struggling with transition points throughout life, more likely to have mental health concerns and are at higher risk of suicide (source: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/children-youth/australias-children/contents/justice-and-safety/bullying)

“I’m hoping the book will become a call to action for children to make a positive difference in somebody else’s life through inclusion. It is a perfect example of modelling to children the actions underpinning the words which are quite simply, ‘be kind, always" she says.

Edgar, who lives on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland with her two children (aged 6 & 8 years) and two dogs, has taught at a wide range of primary schools throughout Australia and abroad, and also holds post graduate qualifications in Applied Linguistics.

She says whether your child has been a victim of bullying or a participant in bullying, or just needs to learn more about empathy, she hopes her book (which is best suited to children aged 4 years to 12 years), can help.

The book is available for just $25 (including postage and handling) online from lisaedgarauthor.com now, and will be promoted at a range of local events including the Sunshine Coast where Lisa is now based.

 ENDS

SUNSHINE COAST BOOK LAUNCH

Date: Saturday 24th July

Time: 2:30 - 4:30

Venue: Noosa Yacht and Rowing club

Tickets: $30 including a copy of the book, drink on arrival & canapes.

Grab your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-playground-hero-book-launch-tickets-158664422559

The event is child friendly. Cost is $30 per person (adult) and includes a copy of the book, a house wine and nibbles.