Queensland schools unite against bullying and promote kindness

Education Minister Grace Grace has told students today, on the 12^th annual National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, that there is room in all of our lives to contribute to a culture of kindness.

“This year’s NDA theme of Kindness Culture is a simple but important one,” Minister Grace said.

“Where a culture of kindness is established and flourishes, bullying has no way of getting a look in.”

“I am proud that Queensland continues to be the lead jurisdiction and coordinates the National Day of Action on behalf of all states and territories.  

“Around 1,700 state, Catholic and independent schools across Queensland are participating in the 12^th annual NDA.

“It is absolutely fantastic that every single Queensland state school is registered to participate in the 2022 NDA – much higher than the 66% average across Australia.”

Ms Grace said a new series of animated videos available on the Bullying. No Way! website supported the Kindness Culture message.  

“The Be kind online series was developed by the Queensland Department of Education, which is proud to be the lead agency for the Bullying. No Way! and National Day of Action initiatives for all of Australia,” she said.

“The videos cater for school age ranges from Year 3 to Year 12 and cover various themes promoting positive online behaviour.

“Very importantly, they let young people know they are not alone, and help is always available.”

“Kindness culture promotes inclusion, respect and community belonging.

“A culture of kindness means being gentle, caring and helpful with each other and nurturing these behaviours until they become the norm.”

Ms Grace said this Queensland-led NDA Against Bullying and Violence is all about empowering students to feel confident to be part of the solution to bullying, both online and in the schoolyard.

“For any students that experience bullying, we want to ensure they know that they’re not alone and that they can reach out for help, and that we will be there to support them,” she said.

“That’s why our $100 million Student Wellbeing and GPs in schools package is so important, ensuring that students have access to qualified health and wellbeing professionals in their schools.

“Over the next three years, we will be employing an additional 464 health and wellbeing professionals, mainly psychologists. There are already around 65 employed in our schools, and all 50 GPs are on track for May.

“This means every child in every state primary and secondary school has access to support, if and when they need it.

“In addition, we are implementing all 29 recommendations of our Anti-Cyberbullying Taskforce – the first of its kind in Australia - and have committed $3.5 million towards their implementation.”

Education Minister Grace Grace was joined by Minister Furner, and students and staff at Newmarket State School today unveil a mural to celebrate kindness.

Landmarks across Queensland light up orange to mark the National Day of Action, including Suncorp Stadium, the QANTAS Founders Museum in Longreach, Dreamworld and Brisbane City Hall and more.  

Images from the Newmarket State School NDA event are available here

For more information visit https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/

ENDS

Media contact: Kate Talbot, 0439 803 211