Preventing bullying in schools
Find out how your school community can work together to prevent and respond to bullying.
Creating and sustaining a safe, inclusive learning environment requires a whole-school approach. By teaching students how to be respectful and responsible members of the school community, educators can help to prevent bullying, aggression and violence.
Working with students and families strengthens this work. Schools can take action by:
teaching social and emotional skills
collaborating on clear, shared school policies
encouraging bystander and upstander behaviour
teaching and modelling respectful, responsible actions.
Embedding these practices helps create safe, supportive environments where all students can thrive.
On this page, you will find resources for students in Foundation to Year 12, designed to help educators identify, respond to and prevent bullying. All resources are curriculum-aligned and support the principles of the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework.
Looking to promote student-led learning? Check out our student topic pages where students can filter by year level to explore age-appropriate wellbeing information and resources independently.
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Discover resources for the classroom
Explore the following resources for in-classroom strategies and support.
headspace: Bullying
Find out more information about bullying and what you can do about it.
Anti-bullying: Bystander to upstander
A lesson plan to help young children identify their personal strengths and to appreciate strengths in others.
Digital technologies: Anti-bullying AI
Find out how artificial intelligence (AI) could check social media posts and warn us if they were potentially harmful to reduce bullying.
Foster a whole-school approach
Explore the following resources for strategies, policies and research relevant to the wider school environment.
Bullying No Way
Bullying No Way is Australia's key bullying prevention initiative for schools providing evidence-informed resources and support.
STEPS: Preventing bullying
STEPS is a decision-making tool to help schools select appropriate and evidence-based anti-bullying programs and approaches.
Racist bullying
Information and resources for teachers, parents and students on racist bullying.
Effective bullying programs
Professor Wendy Craig discusses the need for schools to consider relationships as the key to successful bullying programs.
Engage with parents, carers and community
Share and discuss the following resources with parents and carers in your school community.
Bullying no way: for families
Find information about depression and anxiety and how to support those affected.
eSafety Parents: Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying is an important issue to discuss as a family or for supporting someone who has been affected by such behaviour.
School-age bullying: helping your child
Information for parents to support your child at home and help your child develop strategies to handle bullying. Suitable for 5 to 8 years.
Teenage bullying: what to look for and how to help
Information for parents to work with school staff on a plan to stop bullying. Suitable for 9 to 15 years.
Deepen your understanding
Gain insights and deepen your understanding of this topic with research and professional learning opportunities.
Stop cyberbullying before the damage is done
This TEDxTeen talk explores the causes and impact of cyberbullying.
Importance of student voice to counter bullying
Professor Barbara Spears explains the need for authentic involvement of students to counter bullying.
Effective bullying programs
Professor Wendy Craig discusses the need for schools to consider relationships as the key to successful bullying programs.
Prompt a discussion
Spark staff discussion and reflection with these practical questions aligned to the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework.
In what ways could classroom routines encourage quieter students to share ideas safely while reducing peer exclusion?
How can we work with parents, carers and families to notice early signs of bullying and provide shared support to students?
How can we involve students in updating our school policies around bullying, so they are fairer, more consistent and supportive?
How does your school prevent or respond to bullying effectively? How can professional development help staff recognise different types of bullying?
Discover ways to use the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework in your school.
