Queensland ramps up action against bullying

Education Minister Grace Grace today outlined a suite of activities Queensland schools and their communities will conduct to mark the eighth National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on Friday 16 March. 

“Queensland has been leading the way for the nation in the fight against bullying over the past 15 years,” Ms Grace said. 

“This year the Premier has put this issue firmly on the national agenda and has responded to community concerns over bullying and cyber bullying by appointing a new Queensland Anti-Bullying Taskforce. 

“Schools across the state have zero tolerance to bullying and are already actively engaged in working towards this goal.” 

Minister Grace said it was expected that more than 1,200 Queensland schools and 570,000 Queensland students will take part in the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on Friday. 

“Schools across the nation will be guided in their activities on Friday by a Bullying. No Way! kit developed by the Queensland Department of Education. 

“This year the community is being invited to Imagine a world free from bullying and share their ‘big ideas’ on how to make this happen by writing them on creative posters, speech bubbles and postcards,” she said. 

“School activities range from open days and community fairs, message or pledge walls, competitions involving creative art, writing, video and creative performances by students - anything that raises awareness and suggests ways to beat bullying. 

“Some schools will highlight the issue at school assemblies, barbeques, sausage sizzles or during class activities and others will offer specific professional development for teachers. 

“Holding dress up orange days to draw attention to the National Day of Action’s official colour theme is another popular activity to help raise awareness and encourage students to speak up when there are issues. 

“This year, a number of landmark bridges and buildings across Brisbane will also be lit up in orange to show a united community stance against bullying and violence. 

“Queenslanders are taking a united stand to make it clear that bullying and violence are never okay, inside or outside the classroom,” Ms Grace said. 

A full list of schools which have registered to take part in the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence is available online at https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/NationalDay/Pages/Participating-schools.aspx

A summary of Queensland’s plan of action against bullying in schools is attached.

ENDS 

Media contact: Adrian Taylor 0448 994 172

For information about local school activities contact the Department of Education, 3328 6639 or media@qed.qld.gov.au

Queensland’s plan of action against bullying in schools 

• 29 January 2018 – Premier hosts stakeholder roundtable. 
• 19 February 2018 – Premier releases terms of reference for 14-member Anti-Bullying Taskforce to work up new anti-bullying framework for Queensland. 
• 31 August 2018 – taskforce due to report recommendations for community and government action.

 
Ongoing: 

• Queensland Government initiated the concept of a National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence and has been leading the organisation of the event on behalf of all states and territories since the event began in 2011. 
  
  
• Queensland also manages the national website: www.bullyingnoway.gov.au, which is packed with tips, resources and information for students, staff and parents. 
  
  
• Department of Education has a comprehensive framework of policies and procedures to help create safe and supportive school environments.
   
• Every Queensland state school has a Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students, which sets out clear expectations, processes and consequences to address unacceptable behaviour.
   
• Queensland state primary and secondary school students are taught about bullying and cyberbullying through national and state curriculum materials.
   
• This includes proper use of technology, how to recognise bullying and coping and reporting strategies.
   
• The Department’s Prep to Year 12 Respectful Relationships Education Program includes activities which encourage students to interact positively with others, respect similarities and differences, and stay safe. 
   
• Students and parents are strongly encouraged to report any cases of bullying to their school principal or closest Department of Education regional office.
• State schools make every effort to meet with concerned parents to address issues of bullying or harassment as they are reported.
   
• Information is available on the www.bullyingnoway.gov.au website for parents about the signs and symptoms that may indicate their child may be experiencing bullying. There are also resources for students on what to do if they are being bullied and how to report it.
   
• Principals, teachers and support staff work closely with families to resolve their concerns at a school level as a matter of urgency.
   
• School support services are available such as guidance officers, chaplains and student welfare workers, to support students.
   
• Department of Education has a dedicated Cybersafety and Reputation Management team which delivers education programs, helps schools prevent online issues and responds to incidents.