Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert).
Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.
Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.
The states and territories have developed their own strategies, policies, tools and advice to schools about bullying. These documents explain in broad terms how governments expect schools (especially state schools) to approach preventing and addressing bullying. Key documents include: South Australia – Connected: A Community Approach to Bullying Prevention Within the School Gates and Beyond (2019) […]
The DVD resource Asperger’s and Bullying: An Inclusive Educational Approach (Slee,P.T. Bottroff, V; Wotherspoon, A., & Martin, J. 2013) is available to purchase from Autism SA and Caper. Produced and Directed by Alison Wotherspoon (Ph.D).
A number of factors determine whether bystanders will and can act in bullying situations or not. Research suggests that students who intervene tend to be younger, female, have not previously bullied their peers, have ‘pro-victim attitudes’, believe their parents would expect them to help the target, and have a fairly high degree of self-efficacy. Teacher […]
Research shows student wellbeing and academic success is enhanced when parents are involved in their child’s educational journey. However, schools often find reaching and engaging with their parent community is one of their most difficult tasks. Some ideas to bring parents on board include: Ensure parents are known (by name) and welcomed to the school […]
eSmart, an initiative of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, uses a cultural change approach to improve cyber safety, increase digital literacy and reduce cyber bullying across Australia. The eSmart Framework guides the whole school community through a process of developing and implementing change. It is based on a great deal of research and evidence about […]
Reports from schoolchildren across a range of countries indicate that interventions by teachers in cases of bullying are commonly unsuccessful, especially with older students. This article by NCAB’s Ken Rigby provides a brief description and critical examination of six major intervention strategies employed in schools and points to the need for better training of teachers […]
Universal efforts to improve the social skills, attitudes and behaviour of all students can be implemented through curricula and pedagogical approaches involving the teaching of social skills and groupings encouraging positive interactions between students, inclusiveness and acceptance. These approaches include a heightened focus on relationships, engagement and positive classroom and behaviour management. Their intention is […]
A number of major international reviews and evaluations have sought to identify the most effective approaches, strategies and components for how to prevent bullying in schools. These reviews confirm the following features are likely to be the most effective in preventing and reducing bullying: A universal, whole-school approach, taking a multi-faceted approach rather than focusing […]
Schools and their teaching staff have a duty to take reasonable care for the safety and wellbeing of students while students are at school or are involved in a school activity. Satisfying this duty of care involves: Providing a safe environment for students and staff Providing supervision of students Implementing anti-bullying strategies Caring for injured […]
There is a growing awareness in Australia and other parts of the world about the level and impact of bullying in schools & society. This has generated a rising concern about the prevalence, seriousness and negative effects of bullying in schools, and has encouraged schools across the world to acknowledge their difficulties with bullying, and […]