School staff play an important role in preventing and intervening in bullying, modelling respectful relationships and developing a positive school climate.
Specific and regular training about bullying is a significant factor in teachers' ability to effectively respond to bullying. Research has consistently identified that the provision of local professional development and training in responding to bullying for teachers is a key component of an effective whole-school approach to preventing bullying.
A whole-school approach to professional learning means that opportunities are provided to everyone in the school community to promote awareness and implement evidence-informed interventions to prevent and respond to bullying.
Students have told researchers that if they perceive that their teachers do not know how to effectively intervene, this prevents them from seeking help.
Students are more likely to report bullying at school if they think:
- the teacher knows what to do
- the teacher will respond sensitively and effectively
- they will be treated with respect and provided support
- the teacher won't make things worse.
Because teachers and other staff are often the first responders to bullying incidents, they should be prepared with knowledge and strategies to appropriately respond.
Evidence of bullying among youth
Dr Hannah Thomas from The University of Queensland discusses the prevalence of bullying among Australian youth, consequences and outcomes of bullying, and prevention and intervention strategies. This series was developed and published by Bullying. No Way! in October 2021.
Watch the video series plus a Q&A session.
A world without bullying
Professor Donna Cross from the Telethon Kids Institute explores the research about bullying prevention and discusses practical ways schools can engage with students in building safe and supportive environments. This series was developed and published by Bullying. No Way! in June 2018.
Watch the video series.
Responding to parent reports
The responding to parent reports about bullying workshop package was developed for Australian schools in consultation with Queensland psychologist Dr Karen Healy. Download the presentation below.
These professional development resources were developed and published by Bullying. No Way! in April 2019.
The workshop materials for teachers and schools staff have been developed as a facilitator-led group workshop. However, the PowerPoint presentation could also be used as a self-paced training opportunity in small or 1 teacher school contexts. The sessions aim to:
- provide parent and staff perspectives on bullying
- increase staff confidence when dealing with and responding to parent reports about bullying
- assist in clarifying school protocols for reporting of bullying, including when and how to report and document.