Horrifying domestic violence statistics in Australia show that one in six women have experienced violence from a current or former partner, sixty three women have been killed by family violence this year and childhood exposure to partner violence increases the likelihood of intergenerational violence.

With the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull recently pledging $100 million to tackle domestic violence, including $5 million for school education programs, and with White Ribbon Day happening on 25th November, we talk to three inspiring high schools that are rewriting the script and helping students to develop respectful relationships using theatre-based education.

What is the number-one social issue for students across Australia? According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics CensusAtSchool survey, reducing bullying in schools [1]. Longitudinal studies have consistently found strong links between school bullying and mental health problems with victims at risk of developing depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation. Similarly, perpetrators of bullying are also at risk of developing depression, anti-social personality and substance use disorders [3]. With a long history, over 30 years, Brainstorm Productions helps more than 350,000 students across Australia each year with anti-bullying, cyber bullying and wellbeing education programs via a range of live in-school theatre productions. 

The use of theatre in education can help unite students in a shared experience and is a great springboard for opening up discussion and assisting with change; be it bullying, peer pressure, binge drinking and violence. Research and evaluation have revealed that the ‘overwhelming majority of students demonstrate enjoyment and enthusiasm through watching educational theatre, are receptive and listen attentively, and can correctly identify the educational messages being portrayed’ [2]. In this way, theatre gives strong and emotional lessons to students, whilst being entertaining.

How does theatre help deliver the anti bullying message in schools, and is it effective? Australia's largest independent women’s website, Mamamia, talked to Brainstorm Productions co-founder Jenny Johnson about bullying, cyber bullying and how Brainstorm Productions uses theatre to bring about effective change and make a real difference in kids lives. Below is a full transcript of this interview:

We were thrilled to be featured on the Generation Next website this week with an article about how theatre can help school students deal with bullying and violence. We're huge fans of this website and the tireless work they do to help tackle social, cultural and emotional challenges affecting young people today. Read the article below:

How Can Theatre Help School Students Deal with Bullying and Violence? 

What is the number-one social issue for students across Australia? According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics landmark CensusAtSchool survey, reducing bullying in schools [1]. So how can theatre help students deal with the far-reaching and negative effects of bullying and violence?

One of the most significant dates in the 2015 Brainstorm Productions calendar is March 20th 2015. Firstly, Brainstorm Productions will be taking part in the 2015 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence by raising awareness about the impact of bullying and providing real-life strategies to help primary and high school students stand together against bullying. Actors from Brainstorm Productions will be visiting 10 Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide schools on 20th March and sharing the Bullying. No Way! message with more than 2,500 students. 

The importance of this anti-bullying initiative cannot be overstated. Not only does the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence aim to raise awareness about the destructive impact of bullying on March 20, but it also encourages schools and students to implement longer-term strategies and programs to help address this issue.