A $33 million state government commitment will fund five new anti-bullying initiatives in Queensland, including the establishment of Rapid Support Squads, to strategically target bullying hotspots.
The squads will have the capacity to “fly in” to regional and remote schools and provide on the ground expertise in response to a bullying incident. Services include family support, mental health assistance and professional development for staff.
Each of the eight education regions will have a designated squad, made up of three senior guidance officers and support staff.
The further four anti-bullying initiatives include:
- New Anti-Bullying Stakeholder Reference Group to provide critical advice, guide future initiatives and co-design the upcoming Anti-Bullying campaign.
- Funding additional chaplains and student wellbeing staff to place permanent on-the-ground support in hundreds of additional schools.
- Opening a dedicated crisis support hotline to offer free, confidential, and immediate support to concerned parents and carers.
- Developing new and updated professional development resources to upskill teachers, teacher aides and support staff with targeted resources.
The new expert advisory group will be chaired by Griffith University Professor Donna Pendergast AM and consists of experts in the field including child psychiatrists and academics.
The announcement follows the Queensland Government’s $44 million Behavioural Boost, which gives teachers more support in the classroom.
Premier David Crisafulli said this groundbreaking approach was needed to counteract the devastating impacts of bullying.
“We’re putting the spotlight on bullying so our schools can be a safe place for every student,” Premier Crisafulli said.
“We’ve lost too many young lives to bullying, which is why we’re delivering a plan to put the spotlight on this serious issue.
“This is about turning the tables on bullying and bolstering support for kids, parents and schools.”
Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek said bullying was a scourge on society and the government would be persistent in its efforts to address it.
“The Crisafulli Government has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and these additional measures will help to ensure we lead the nation in our efforts to tackle it,” Minister Langbroek said.
“We’re committed to driving down the number of students impacted by bullying and responding to serious incidents with the swift action such a serious issue deserves.
“Today’s announcement is just the starting point in our fight to prevent and reduce bullying.
“Our expert stakeholder group will be tasked with the responsibility of reviewing initiatives, while providing advice and guidance on further support measures that we can introduce.”
Chair of the Anti-Bullying Stakeholder Reference Group Donna Pendergast AM said meetings would soon be underway.
“I’m proud to lead the Crisafulli Government’s Stakeholder Reference Group to take real action against bullying in schools,” Professor Pendergast said.
“We will bring experts together, but we will also be going out to the community to ensure we’re considering lived experiences and remaining agile in our response to tackling bullying.
“We need everyone – schools, educators, parents, carers, and community members – to play their part in stamping out bullying in all forms.”
