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Bullying prevention and support

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Bullying is a complex and widespread issue.

The Queensland Government has announced new actions to strengthen our approach to address bullying in schools.

Find out about the new and expanded initiatives we are implementing to address bullying:

  • Rapid Support Squads
  • The Queensland Anti-Bullying Stakeholder Reference Group
  • support services for parents and carers, including expanding Parentline and the new Parent Navigator service
  • access to additional staff to support student wellbeing
  • new and updated professional development resources for school staff.
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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, ​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.

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

Bullying behaviours 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 behaviours 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

  • 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

However, these behaviours can still be very upsetting, if a behaviour has impacted your child, it is important to address it. If you are not sure how to address the behaviour, Parentline can help. Call 1300 30 1300.​

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Last updated 07 August 2025