In an effort to safeguard students and stamp out bad bullying behaviour, Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has written to state and territory governments to call for them to come together and tackle school yard and classroom bullying.
His recommendations include an expert-led examination into current school procedures and best practice methods to address the issue.
The Albanese government will fund the study, and report to education ministers nationwide to explore ways to develop a national bullying standard.
“This would inform policies across jurisdictions and sectors to provide children and parents confidence that no matter where their child goes to school, if they’re experiencing bullying, it will be managed in an appropriate way,” part of Clare’s letter states.
Schools can better support students
The move follows the death of 12-year-old student Charlotte O’Brien, who took her own life in September after alleged bullying by fellow students at Sydney’s Santa Sabina College.
Clare acknowledged bullying doesn’t only happen in schools but says they are places where authorities could intervene and provide better support for students.
“Bullying is not on, anywhere, anytime, in any form,” he says.
“Just like we are taking action to help stop bullying on social media, we also can do more where children are face to face.”
The federal government is also taking steps to legislate social media restrictions for under-16s, including access to Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
The legislation will be examined in more detail on Monday 25 November during a single-day parliamentary hearing that follows a 24-hour window for submissions.
Due to a minimum 12-month lead time once it passes parliament, the ban could come into place by late-2025.
Support is available
- Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged five to 25)
- Lifeline 13 11 14
