Report bullying

If you are being bullied at school, the first step is to report to the relevant teacher, and then the Principal if necessary.

If you think the bullying involves behaviour that may be a crime, check out reporting to other authorities below.

Reporting serious online bullying

If you are experiencing serious online bullying, the material can be reported to the eSafety Commissioner.

For bullying on social media sites, the site provides information on how to report online bullying directly to the social media service.

For other websites, you can flag or report inappropriate or offensive content to the website administrator. Administrators can remove posts and content from your account which they agree are inappropriate or against their terms of service.

Reporting to other authorities

Some bullying may necessitate reporting to other authorities outside the school.

Reporting behaviours that may be a crime

Bullying in person and online can sometimes include behaviours that are against the law. These include if someone:

• is physically violent
• intimidates or threatens violence
• stalks another person, which means following, watching or contacting the person repeatedly in a way that scares them
• damages or steals belongings
• accesses personal accounts without permission
• spreads lies to hurt a person's reputation (defamation)
• encourages someone to commit suicide
• shares inappropriate sexual images.
• seriously harasses a person because of their:
  • race
  • gender identity
  • sexuality
  • religion.

If you feel you are in immediate physical danger, call the police in your state or territory.

If you think the behaviours might be against the law, keep notes on what happened and when, evidence of screen shots, account details or messages that have been received.

Getting further help

You might want to read more to get more ideas about what to do.

Your jurisdiction's website is often the best place to get information relevant to your school and your situation.

You may also want to visit some other reputable websites in Australia which provide information, advice and stories about other people's experiences of dealing with bullying:

• The Australian government's eSafety Commissioner is a comprehensive resource for all issues related to online safety and online bullying, and includes a reporting and complaints service for online bullying and harassment.
• The Australian Psychology Society's page on Parenting guide to helping children managing conflict, aggression and bullying provides advice and strategies for parents.
• Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gay Students (PFLAG) is an international peer support group that has been operating in Australia for over 30 years.
• Raising Children Network is an Australian parenting website providing links to a range of national and state resources, services and support organisations for parents and families of all kinds.

For more information

Youth Law Australia provides free, confidential legal information and help for young people under 25.

If you are being harassed or discriminated against you can contact the Australian Human Rights Commission or call 1300 369 711. You need to contact them within 12 months of the incident you are reporting.

Your state or territory may also have an Anti-Discrimination Commission

Remember, bullying is serious. Tell someone about it.