A rapid response to serious bullying
When serious bullying incidents impact a school community, a fast coordinated response is essential. Rapid Support Squads are specialised teams of support staff flying in to deliver urgent, on-the-ground support directly to schools managing high impact and high intensity bullying incidents.
While bullying is a complex issue, Rapid Support Squads walk alongside schools, families, and communities to build tailored responses and support plans that meet the unique needs of each school community.
Rapid Support Squads: A game-changer for tackling bullying
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A specialised response team for high-impact bullying—Rapid Support Squads are targeted, medium term support services for Queensland state schools facing bullying incidents that are high in intensity, frequency or impact.
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Focused on recovery, safety and prevention—the squad works across 3 key functions: family support, student mental health and wellbeing, and staff capability-building to ensure a coordinated wraparound approach to response, recovery and prevention.
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A partnership model for safer schools—Rapid Support Squads provide hands-on support to school leadership teams and connects them with appropriate support in regional offices.
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Tailored support, built to cater for individual student needs—a Rapid Support Squad is activated when existing school supports have been exhausted and regional support is required. The service is designed to be responsive to each school's context and the unique needs of the students involved.
Rapid Support Squads are trusted partners in tackling bullying
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Restores safety and trust—Rapid Support Squads support students and families to feel heard and safe.
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Stronger together—Rapid Support Squads assist families to navigate high impact incidents and strengthen their partnership with the school.
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Empowers schools for lasting change—through coaching and resourcing, Rapid Support Squads equip school staff with the tools and strategies needed to restore and rebuild a positive school culture and prevent future incidents.
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Committed to safe schools—the initiative reflects the Department of Education's strong stance that every child deserves to learn in a safe, supportive environment free from bullying.
What to expect when Rapid Support Squads are used to tackle bullying incidents
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Statewide access, consistent support—Rapid Support Squads are available to fly in to all Queensland state schools to provide swift action and targeted intervention. Activation is based on need and when circumstances meet the threshold for high level bullying detailed by frequency, intensity or overall impact.
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Delivered with care and expertise—regional coordinators work with school leaders to develop and implement a tailored support plan. This may include on-site visits, case conferencing, student support and follow-up.
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Real tools that make a difference—schools and families are provided with resources including communication templates, wellbeing check-ins, post-incident debrief guides, and planning tools to support reintegration and healing.
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Led by school leadership—principals initiate activation through their regional office, ensuring the process is school-led and responsive.
Together, we can respond effectively and build safer school communities
The Rapid Support Squads ensure schools are not left to manage serious bullying incidents alone. By standing alongside schools and families during the most challenging times, Rapid Support Squads foster safer, more respectful communities where every young person can feel connected, supported and safe.