The federal government will invest $10 million to kickstart a new national plan to tackle bullying in Australian schools, following recommendations from the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review.
Education Ministers agreed to the plan on 17 October, with funding to support two key recommendations: a $5 million national awareness campaign and $5 million for new classroom and community resources. These resources will include guidance for students on how to be ‘upstanders’ against bullying – drawing on evidence that peer-based approaches are among the most effective ways to change behaviour.
The Anti-Bullying Rapid Review examined current school procedures and identified best-practice methods to prevent and respond to bullying. It received more than 1,700 submissions, mostly from parents, whose lived experiences helped shape the recommendations.
One of the review’s strongest findings is the need for faster and clearer action when incidents occur, recommending that schools respond to complaints within two school days.
The report calls for a whole-of-school approach – one that empowers students, parents, and educators, ensures visible leadership to drive cultural change, and uses evidence-based strategies to prevent and address bullying. It also highlights the importance of transparency and better support for teachers and school staff.
Minister for Education Jason Clare said the plan builds on existing initiatives such as the national mobile phone ban in schools and the upcoming social media ban for under-16s, which takes effect on 10 December, to help reduce online bullying.
“Bullying is cruel and it’s dangerous,” Mr Clare said. “It doesn’t just leave physical scars, it leaves invisible scars that can last a lifetime.
“A lot of parents told us it was taking too long for some schools to act on bullying complaints. The Anti-Bullying Rapid Review recommends that schools should respond within two school days to a complaint or incident.
“If we’re going to properly tackle bullying, we need to nip it in the bud and act early – and we need to make sure teachers have the right tools and training so they know how to act and what to do.
The national plan marks a renewed focus on creating safer, more supportive school environments, ensuring every student can learn and thrive, free from bullying.
