Bullying - Department of Education
Source: https://www.education.wa.edu.au/bullying
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:13
Bullying - Department of Education
true
Bullying
Bullying
Schools take the issue of bullying seriously, taking an active role in ensuring schools are educated in keeping students and staff safe.
Every school is expected to have a safe, supportive, respectful and positive learning environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence, so student wellbeing and academic outcomes are maximised.
Bullying can have a lasting impact on everyone involved, including those who witness it, so it is important to work together to create safe school communities for everyone.
Schools, parents and children can access a range of resources through the national
Bullying. No Way!
website.
They can also find legal advice for parents about sexting, image-based abuse, filming young people fighting, and cyberbullying from
Legal Aid
.
Preventing bullying involves everyone talking together openly and respectfully.
Understanding bullying
Signs of bullying
Supporting your child
Working with your school
More information
Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships that is used to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm.
Bullying behaviour is repeated.
It can be verbal, physical and/or social behaviour.
It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over someone who feel unable to stop it from happening.
Bullying can happen in person or online.
It can be obvious or hidden.
A single incident, conflict or fights between equals is not bullying.
Sometimes children who are bullied are reluctant to discuss this issue with parents, carers or teachers. They are concerned that ‘telling’ will make matters worse.
You might notice your child:
does not want to go to school or participate in school activities
changes their method or route to school or is frightened of walking to school
does not do as well in assignments or tests
changes their sleep patterns
changes their eating patterns
has frequent tears, anger and/or mood swings
takes money from home
has unexplained bruises, cuts and/or scratches
loses or brings home damaged belongings or clothes
arrives home hungry.
If your child is being bullied online, they may also exhibit other signs. These may include:
being hesitant about going online
seeming nervous when an instant message, text message or email appears
being visibly upset after using the computer or mobile phone
suddenly avoiding their phone
closing the screen, or hiding the mobile phone when others enter the room
spending unusually long hours online
receiving suspicious phone calls, emails or packages.
There are ways you can support your child if they are being bullied.
Listen calmly and get the full story.
Let them know it is not their fault.
Ask them how they want to deal with the bullying. Encourage them to seek help from their teacher.
Talk about strategies for dealing with the bullying. Practising at home can be useful.
Focus on solutions and stay positive.
Ask them what they want you to do.
Tell them you will report the bullying if it does not stop after they have tried to deal with it.
Speak with their teacher if they are not safe at school.
Check in regularly with them.
Visit the
Bullying No Way!
website for more ideas.
Bullying is considered a serious matter in schools. Every school has an anti-bullying plan and steps in place to deal with all forms of bullying.
Some of the strategies your school may use include:
teaching students what to do when they see or experience bullying
developing students’ communication, social, assertiveness and coping skills
changing the school environment to improve teacher supervision
increasing supervision of students at particular times or places
support from a school psychologist or other member of staff
changing access to technology
temporary or permanent timetable or class changes to decrease students’ contact
promoting positive bystander behaviour
disciplinary action against students who bully others.
Speaking with your child’s teacher or another trusted member of staff is a positive step towards stopping any bullying that your child may experience. You can discuss your child’s situation and develop a plan to stop the behaviour and support your child. Strategies for use at home may also be included in the plan.
At a meeting, you can:
request an interpreter to be present if English is your second language
have an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Officers or Aboriginal Liaison Officers present if your child is Aboriginal
have a friend or adviser present during any discussion.
To request these services, please speak to your school or education regional office.
Bullying -
www.bullyingnoway.gov.au
Cyberbullying –
www.esafety.gov.au
Support –
www.kidshelpline.com.au
Kids Helpline,
1800 55 1800
, is available anytime for your child to speak with an experienced counsellor about how they are feeling.
Legal advice (online) -
www.resources.legalaid.wa.gov.au/project/r-u-legal
Asset Publisher
Progressing through school
Your child will reach several milestones during their schooling and transition to different stages of school life.
Student health care
You will be asked to provide your child’s health information to help the school meet your child’s health needs.
Healthy living
Eating well and being active is critical for both short and long-term health and wellbeing. It also has a direct impact on a child’s performance at school.
Mental health
Your child’s mental health is as important as their physical health.
Cyber safety
The internet is a great way to socialise, learn, work, play and be entertained — but with technology comes risks. Do you know how to keep your child safe online?
Countering violent extremism
Schools can play a supportive role in helping to protect young people from extremist influences.
true
Bullying
Bullying
Schools take the issue of bullying seriously, taking an active role in ensuring schools are educated in keeping students and staff safe.
Every school is expected to have a safe, supportive, respectful and positive learning environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence, so student wellbeing and academic outcomes are maximised.
Bullying can have a lasting impact on everyone involved, including those who witness it, so it is important to work together to create safe school communities for everyone.
Schools, parents and children can access a range of resources through the national
Bullying. No Way!
website.
They can also find legal advice for parents about sexting, image-based abuse, filming young people fighting, and cyberbullying from
Legal Aid
.
Preventing bullying involves everyone talking together openly and respectfully.
Understanding bullying
Signs of bullying
Supporting your child
Working with your school
More information
Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships that is used to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm.
Bullying behaviour is repeated.
It can be verbal, physical and/or social behaviour.
It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over someone who feel unable to stop it from happening.
Bullying can happen in person or online.
It can be obvious or hidden.
A single incident, conflict or fights between equals is not bullying.
Sometimes children who are bullied are reluctant to discuss this issue with parents, carers or teachers. They are concerned that ‘telling’ will make matters worse.
You might notice your child:
does not want to go to school or participate in school activities
changes their method or route to school or is frightened of walking to school
does not do as well in assignments or tests
changes their sleep patterns
changes their eating patterns
has frequent tears, anger and/or mood swings
takes money from home
has unexplained bruises, cuts and/or scratches
loses or brings home damaged belongings or clothes
arrives home hungry.
If your child is being bullied online, they may also exhibit other signs. These may include:
being hesitant about going online
seeming nervous when an instant message, text message or email appears
being visibly upset after using the computer or mobile phone
suddenly avoiding their phone
closing the screen, or hiding the mobile phone when others enter the room
spending unusually long hours online
receiving suspicious phone calls, emails or packages.
There are ways you can support your child if they are being bullied.
Listen calmly and get the full story.
Let them know it is not their fault.
Ask them how they want to deal with the bullying. Encourage them to seek help from their teacher.
Talk about strategies for dealing with the bullying. Practising at home can be useful.
Focus on solutions and stay positive.
Ask them what they want you to do.
Tell them you will report the bullying if it does not stop after they have tried to deal with it.
Speak with their teacher if they are not safe at school.
Check in regularly with them.
Visit the
Bullying No Way!
website for more ideas.
Bullying is considered a serious matter in schools. Every school has an anti-bullying plan and steps in place to deal with all forms of bullying.
Some of the strategies your school may use include:
teaching students what to do when they see or experience bullying
developing students’ communication, social, assertiveness and coping skills
changing the school environment to improve teacher supervision
increasing supervision of students at particular times or places
support from a school psychologist or other member of staff
changing access to technology
temporary or permanent timetable or class changes to decrease students’ contact
promoting positive bystander behaviour
disciplinary action against students who bully others.
Speaking with your child’s teacher or another trusted member of staff is a positive step towards stopping any bullying that your child may experience. You can discuss your child’s situation and develop a plan to stop the behaviour and support your child. Strategies for use at home may also be included in the plan.
At a meeting, you can:
request an interpreter to be present if English is your second language
have an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Officers or Aboriginal Liaison Officers present if your child is Aboriginal
have a friend or adviser present during any discussion.
To request these services, please speak to your school or education regional office.
Bullying -
www.bullyingnoway.gov.au
Cyberbullying –
www.esafety.gov.au
Support –
www.kidshelpline.com.au
Kids Helpline,
1800 55 1800
, is available anytime for your child to speak with an experienced counsellor about how they are feeling.
Legal advice (online) -
www.resources.legalaid.wa.gov.au/project/r-u-legal
Asset Publisher
Progressing through school
Your child will reach several milestones during their schooling and transition to different stages of school life.
Student health care
You will be asked to provide your child’s health information to help the school meet your child’s health needs.
Healthy living
Eating well and being active is critical for both short and long-term health and wellbeing. It also has a direct impact on a child’s performance at school.
Mental health
Your child’s mental health is as important as their physical health.
Cyber safety
The internet is a great way to socialise, learn, work, play and be entertained — but with technology comes risks. Do you know how to keep your child safe online?
Countering violent extremism
Schools can play a supportive role in helping to protect young people from extremist influences.