Focus on belonging to target bullying

The Tasmanian Government is supporting this Bullying No Way: National week of action – a national bullying prevention initiative aimed at connecting schools and communities to find solutions to prevent bullying. 

Minister for Education, Jo Palmer, today visited students at Exeter Primary School to celebrate the initiative. 

“Exeter Primary School, like all of our schools, is focussed on providing its students with an inclusive and supportive environment where all students are safe, well and feel included,” Minister Palmer said. 

“This year’s theme, "Everyone Belongs," emphasises that when we all feel included, bullying cannot thrive.”

Earlier this year, the Tasmanian Government welcomed the Tasmanian Parliament’s Inquiry into Discrimination and Bullying in Tasmanian Schools.  

Minister Palmer said while we await the outcomes of the Inquiry, we continue to put significant efforts into ensuring student safety and wellbeing in our schools through a number of initiatives. 

“As part of the annual Student Wellbeing and Engagement Survey, we’re supporting students to understand bullying and belonging,” Minister Palmer said. 

“Schools now have five years of student wellbeing data that captures the voices of children and young people to understand their wellbeing and, in turn, to support their learning. 

“We’re delivering Respectful Relationships and Consent Education in our schools as part of the Australian Curriculum and we continue to provide and update resources to set clear expectations of behaviour. 

“We are delivering restorative practices training for staff and creating resources to teach students social and emotional skills, consistent with the Australian Curriculum. 

“All of this work is strengthened by our collaboration on national efforts, including the work of the eSafety Commissioner and the Australian Schools Anti-Bullying Collective. 

“Everyone has a part to play in this effort and I urge all Tasmanians—students, parents, friends, and staff members alike — to call out bullying behaviour whenever they see it.”

As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we’re focused on giving children the best possible start in life and learning.

To learn more about the National Week of Action, please visit https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/preventing-bullying/national-week-of-action