Identifying bullying behaviour
Understanding bullying and other harmful behaviours includes information on:
- bullying and other harmful behaviours and the forms they can take
- the impacts of bullying
- how school staff can build a picture of bullying in their school communities.
Some bullying behaviour can also be abuse. If you believe the behaviour towards another student is abuse, follow the 4 Critical Actions - student to student abuse.
Responding to bullying behaviour
Schools must initiate a response to bullying within 2 school days of becoming aware of it. Further time may be needed to take the appropriate steps to fully understand and address the issue.
The following resources can help schools:
- guide their response to bullying behaviour
- identify issues in the school community
- keep clear and accurate records
- provide the support students need.
The step-by-step guide is a one-page summary. It contains information from Bully Stoppers and the Bullying Prevention and Response policy.
It supports school staff to identify and respond to bullying incidents between students, both in-person and online.
The Bullying behaviour response template (DOCX, 150KB) is an optional tool for school staff. It can be used to record bullying behaviour and the school’s response.
Schools can also modify the template to record other behaviours, such as racism. Schools that use the template can attach it to an eduSafe Plus report.
See Managing and Reporting School Incidents (Including Emergencies) for further advice.
The Report Racism Hotline can also be used to report racism or religious discrimination in schools.
Preventing and responding to cyberbullying
The following resources can help schools to prevent and respond to:
- cyberbullying
- image-based abuse
- online harm.
Bully Stoppers: Schools and cybersafety provides cybersafety information and resources for schools, parents, carers and students.
Safe Socials provides information to support safe and positive online experiences for children and young people.
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