Bullies Asked To Sign Good Behavior Contracts

(NewsCore) - Pint-sized bullies are signing contracts promising to clean up their bad behavior in schoolyards in the Australian state of Victoria.

Primary schools are drafting the agreements to crack down on children who are teasing, name-calling, hitting and even stealing lunch boxes from other students.

The contracts -- for children causing persistent problems -- are a last step before more serious action is taken.

Lorraine Bell, the principal of Monmia Primary School in Keilor Downs, said the "behavior agreements" had been successful in helping curb physical, emotional and verbal abuse.

The contracts were preceded by a discussion between the students and staff to flesh out the issues.

A breach of agreement invokes the bullying processes of the state's Education Department.

Bullying expert Dr. Helen McGrath said many Victorian schools were using versions of the agreements as part of a wider approach encouraging students to take responsibility for hurting others, empathize with victims and commit to change.

Read more: Herald Sun