Preventing school bullying

Bullying is a common experience with known harms. Because of this, a lot of research has been done into how it can be prevented. In a school environment, who bullies and who is bullied is closely tied to the attitudes, values and actions of the broader school community.

Students who are bullied are often singled out because they are seen as different.¹ Bullying is less likely to happen in schools and communities which value inclusivity, celebrate difference and promote belonging, support and safety.

Creating a positive school environment

A positive school culture and community is a key part of bullying prevention.² This involves:

• strengthening student’s social and emotional skills
• promoting inclusivity and respect
• ensuring that educators are trained to recognise and address bullying behaviours early.

The best approach to preventing bullying involves the whole school community.³ When schools create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported, with a strong focus on wellbeing, there are:

• fewer bullying risk factors
• stronger protective and preventative factors
• fewer school bullying behaviours.⁴

Preventative factors

Schools can achieve this by building preventative factors into everyday school life. This includes ensuring everyone in the school community (students, parents, carers and educators) understands what bullying is, how to respond and where to get help.