I Would Like to Help Stop Bullying
in My School

Together against bullying
How do I be a supportive student
Top tips
Helping your friends
Starting a 'Friendly Schools Student Group'

Together against bullying

Students are very important in creating a safe and friendly school. They can help to create a school environment that is based on respect and a feeling of belonging to the school community.

Classroom Teaching and Learning Handbooks include information and strategies to help teachers enhance social skills in their classroom environment and build practical strategies to reduce and manage bullying. The five levels designed for students aged 4 to13 years include activities that support the reduction and prevention of bullying, with a strong emphasis on resilience, positive communication, self-management and social responsibility.

As students get older they rely more and more on their peers for advice and support. So it is important for you to have the information and skills for you to support your friends when they need help.

To find out more about Peer Groups, Peer Support and Peer Pressure: Read All About Peer Groups

How do I be a supportive student?

Start with yourself

Make a commitment not to support bullying in any way. Do not harass, tease, or spread negative gossip about others. Respect others, value differences and try to broaden your social circle to include others who are different from you.

Recognise Bullying

Bullying comes in many different forms - all equally painful and wrong. Whether it's hitting or pushing; teasing or name calling; ignoring or spreading nasty rumours, we don't put up with bullying in our school or community. It makes everyone feel bad.

Keep track of 'hot spots'
Work with friends to take note of places where bullying occurs. We call these “hot spots”. Pass this information on to your Friendly Schools Coordinator or your teacher.

What’s ‘cool‘?
In our school bullying isn't acceptable. Spread the word! It won't be long before everyone realises that bullying isn't cool.

Speak up!
State clearly to students that bully you and your friends won't be involved in any bullying. When someone is bullying someone else speak up and tell them bullying is wrong. If it doesn't feel safe, get help.

Help the person being bullied
Make an effort to get to know kids who are picked on. If they seem sad or worried tell them there is help. Support them to tell a parent, teacher or another trusted adult.

Students who bully need help too
Be firm that bullying is wrong but don't ever be mean to the person bullying. Remember – two wrongs don’t make a right.

Walk Away!
By standing and watching bullying, you're encouraging it. Walk away as soon as you see something mean, nasty or threatening happening and then go to get help.

Choose your friends wisely
Make it clear to your friends that you will not put up with bullying. Refuse to spend time with people who are mean to others.

Share the responsibility
Everyone has a responsibility to help stop bullying. Spread the word that bullying isn't cool. Support other students. Speak up or get help when you see bullying happening. Make sure you're doing your part.

Be a leader
Take steps to stop bullying in your school. Talk to your teacher or principal and ask for help in setting up a 'Say No To Bullying' or ‘Student Support’ campaign.

Helping your friends

What should you do if your friend has a problem or is in trouble? Suppose your friend doesn't want to talk about it? Or maybe they've confided in you but sworn you to secrecy?

These situations are not easy. Sometimes just being there and listening is enough but sometimes they might need more help than you can give them.

Tips for making friends at a new school

Helping a friend

Don't ignore bullying. You can help. Don't let the students who bully get away with thinking that no-one will do anything. Here are a few things you can do ... and a couple that you can't:

Don't rush over and take them on - it might not be safe and you don't want other people to think you are a bully
Let a teacher or other adult know what's happening
Try to be a friend to the person being bullied
Refuse to join in
Try to be friendly to the bully, but even if you can't be friends, being kind can sometimes help the bully stop bullying
Sometimes you can't sort it out yourself. Ask an adult for help.

Starting a 'Friendly Schools Student Group'

Join an existing group that is promoting non-violence at your school or launch your own. You might want to consider some of the following ideas:

Set up a forum for students to talk about school bullying and to brainstorm about possible strategies to stop bullying in your school.
Organise a poster competition to promote good social skills.
Start a drama troupe to develop productions with non-violence themes, such as peaceful conflict resolution, respect for diversity and tolerance.
Launch a school ‘crime watch’ program.
Plan a non-violence rally or dance and encourage other students to make a commitment to avoiding conflicts.
Start a 'peace pledge' campaign. In which students promise to settle disagreements without violence, to reject weapons and to work toward a safe school for all.
Set up an anonymous hot line so students can share their concerns if they feel threatened or know of someone who may become violent.

I Would Like to Help Stop Bullying in My School