We all have the right to be treated with fairness and dignity, to learn and work in a safe, respectful and supportive school environment that values diversity and is free from
- bullying,
- harassment,
- discrimination and
- violence.
Children, young people, their families, school staff and the broader community can expect ACT public schools to be a positive and engaging environment where young people feel connected, respected, achieve success and are fully engaged in their learning.
Violence and harassment has no place in schools.
If you have concerns about bullying, it is really important to seek help:
Parents and carers are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher or school principal about any issue or concern regarding their child’s welfare.
Alternatively, parents, carers and community members can raise any concerns with the ACT Education Directorate through the Complaints and Feedback Unit online via the ACT Education Directorate contact form or by phone (02) 6205 5429 between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
Further advice and information:
- Headspace website.
- Bullying. No Way website.
- Racism. No Way website.
- Kids Helpline website
- Office of the eSafety Commissioner
The Safe and Supportive Schools policy
The Safe and Supportive Schools policy, procedures and support documents provide guidance to schools to ensure they have processes and policies in place to address bullying, harassment, violence and to respond to complex behaviours of concern. The code of conduct outlines acceptable behaviour of students, staff, parents and visitors to ACT public schools.
The ACT Education Safe and Supportive Schools materials are intended to guide schools and their wider communities to:
- build the self awareness, self management, social awareness and social management capabilities of students to engage in respectful relationships as well as applying restorative and disciplinary measures;
- support teachers to meet the social and emotional needs of students in the school environment;
- foster an engaging school environment;
- consult the school community in the development of school processes and procedures;
- ensure schools are organised in ways that provide a duty of care;
- value diversity and promote positive social behaviour;
- support students requiring intensive, individualised behavioural support in an appropriate and timely manner.
Factsheets:
- Safe and Supportive Schools
(164kb) - Frequently Asked Questions (164.3kb)
- Building Positive partnerships: Working together with school staff to understand and support behavioural issues at school (123.7kb)
- Supporting schools through data (492kb)
The Australian Student Wellbeing Framework
The Safe and Supportive Schools Policy aligns with the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework. This Framework is part of a national approach to supporting schools to build safe school communities. It outlines a vision which includes creating learning environments which are free from bullying, harassment, aggression and violence; and provides a set of guiding principles which assist school communities to develop positive and practical student safety and wellbeing policies.
Resources
- Student Wellbeing Hub - We can make a difference by working together to build safe and supportive schools. The student wellbeing hub has information and resources for schools, parents and students.
- Office of the eSafety Commissioner - The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides online safety education for Australian children and young people, a complaints service for young people who experience serious cyber bullying and address illegal online content through the online content scheme.
- Australian Medical Association - Bullying, What you need to know
- How Cybersmart are you? - This video is designed to help parents navigate through the online world of their teenagers and provides strategies on how to protect their children from potential online risks. The video provides facts, figures, and helpful advice.
- ThinkUKnow website - (Australian Federal Police) internet safety education program for parents, carers and teachers, as well as fact sheets and other resources.
- Stay Smart Online website - provides information for Australian internet users on the steps they can take to protect their personal and financial information online. The site has informative videos, quizzes and a free Alert Service that provides information on the latest threats and vulnerabilities.
- ABC Technology Explained website - provides extensive information about all types of communication technology.