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Bullying prevention and support

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The Queensland Government has announced new actions to strengthen our approach to address bullying in schools. All Queenslanders will be called upon to play their part in building healthier and more connected communities to address this complex social issue.

The approach will focus on:

  • raising community awareness and joint action
  • prevention through safe and disciplined schools
  • supports for families, students and schools.

New actions being introduced to support this work include:

  • establishing a rapid response function
  • forming an expert stakeholder reference group
  • expanding access to the Parentline support service for parents and families
  • increasing funding for chaplaincy and student wellbeing officer services in schools.

More information on these initiatives and available resources will be provided as details become available.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Bullying is a complex community issue affecting children and young people. It can have a big impact on their wellbeing, engagement and learning.

When children and young people feel safe and have a sense of belonging, they are more likely to engage in learning, be happier at school and let others know when something is wrong.

Everyone in the community must work together to prevent bullying. They can do this by:

  • teaching and modelling behaviours that create inclusive, safe and positive learning environments
  • helping children and young people build positive relationships​
  • working together to develop policies and practices to promote inclusion, safety and wellbeing
  • encouraging and empowering positive bystander behaviour.

This page links educators, school students, parents and community members to information about bullying, including how to help prevent it and respond to it.

Find information on creating safe and respectful learning environments, supporting student wellbeing, managing bullying if it happens, support services and professional development.

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What bullying is

Bullying is the ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm.

It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power (or perceived power) over 1 or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.

Bullying can happen in person or online and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert).

Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (e.g. through sharing of digital records).

Bullying can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.

Source: National definition of bullying for Australian schools, Bullying No Way

What bullying isn't

Bullying isn't:

  • conflict, fights or arguments between equals
  • one-off acts of meanness, spite or social rejection, or not liking someone
  • isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence.

Inappropriate behaviours may still be serious and require appropriate responses from the school community.

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Last updated 22 April 2025