The NSW Department of Education brings together evidence-based resources for school communities to identify bullying, prevent bullying, and respond to bullying behaviours.
Research shows that 87% of bullying incidents have peer witnesses. The most effective anti-bullying approaches promote positive bystander behaviour, or upstander behaviour.
What is bullying
Bullying is defined by three key features:
- it involves a misuse of power in a relationship
- it is intentional, ongoing and repeated
- it involves behaviours that can cause harm.
Bullying can happen in person or online. It can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). It might involve repeatedly:
- physically hurting someone
- keeping someone out of a group (online or in person)
- saying mean or humiliating things, or spreading rumours or lies
- sending nasty messages or inappropriate images online
- tagging inappropriate images online.
A person can be bullied about many different things such as how they look, sound or speak; their background, religion, race or culture; they have a disability; their sex; their size or body shape; their schoolwork, hobbies or achievements; or other ways they may be different.
Learn more about bullying at Bullying. No Way!
What bullying is not
Bullying is not the same as conflict or disliking someone – even though these things may sometimes lead to bullying.
If someone teases or behaves in a mean or aggressive way once, it isn't bullying. It is not okay, but it isn’t bullying. A fight or disagreement between friends isn't bullying.
Bullying is not tolerated
Our College rejects all forms of bullying behaviours, including online (or cyber) bullying and is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful learning community that promotes student wellbeing. See our Anti-bullying plan (PDF 252KB) for more information.