The Federal Government has allocated $10 million to tackle bullying in schools, as part of a plan to implement new national standards requiring schools to respond to bullying complaints within 48 hours of being reported.
Minister for Education, Jason Clare, announced the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review in February, aiming to assess which responses and prevention measures are effective and identify areas that need strengthening.
The review follows reports to the eSafety Commissioner indicating that 53% of young Australians have experienced cyberbullying. Additionally, a study by Bullying No Way found that one in four students from Year 4 to Year 9 reported being bullied every few weeks or more frequently.
The government’s $10 million investment will be split equally between an awareness campaign and providing resources for parents, teachers, and students. Minister Clare said, “We’re going to allocate $5 million to provide some tools for teachers. Parents want action earlier, and teachers need the tools and training to address bullying effectively.”
Existing programs used in some schools will be consolidated into an online hub, giving schools access to the best tools and resources to implement anti-bullying measures. Clare emphasized the importance of prompt action, stating that schools need to respond within the first 48 hours after a complaint, involving both the children and their parents.
The review highlighted the need for quick and clear action, with consequences ranging from suspension to expulsion in severe cases, noting that early intervention can prevent bullying from recurring. Over 1,700 submissions from parents, students, teachers, and staff recommended that schools act on incidents within two school days.
Clare added, “Many parents told us it was taking too long for schools to act on bullying complaints.”
The government’s under-16 social media ban, set to take effect on December 10, is also expected to significantly reduce cyberbullying among young Australians.
