You play an important role in helping your child understand what respect looks like in everyday situations. You can support them by:

• Talking about respect at home
  Discuss what respectful behaviour looks and sounds like. Examples include using kind words, taking turns, listening without interrupting, acknowledging and valuing different perspectives, expressing opinions without putting others down, making sincere apologies. Encourage your child to be proud of who they are and respectful of others. Talk with your child about respect for different cultures, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultures.

  You can also support your child to build respectful relationship skills by talking about empathy, personal boundaries and consent. Help them understand how to communicate respectfully with others, including in online spaces.

• Modelling respectful behaviour
  Children learn from what they see - use polite language, active listening and respectful problem-solving in your daily interactions.

• Using real-life examples
  Talk about situations your child experiences (at school, with friends, online). For example, you might say:
  • “If someone is left out or bullied by others, it would be respectful to invite them to join in or check if they’re okay.”
  • “If you see a mean comment or group chat message it would be respectful to not join in, support the person being targeted, or tell a trusted adult. It is important not to spread or add to the hurt.”
  • “If you don’t agree with a friend, you can share your opinion without being hurtful by saying ‘I see it differently’ or ‘I think something else might work better’ instead of telling them they’re wrong.”

• Encouraging empathy
  Help your child think about how others feel by asking questions like:
  • “How do you think they felt?”
  • “What could you do differently next time?”
  • “What would you want someone to do for you?”

• Personal boundaries and consent
  Respectful relationships include understanding personal boundaries and consent.
  • “If you’re not comfortable, it’s okay to say no. You could say, ‘I don’t want to do that’ or ‘please stop’.”
  • “How can you tell if someone else doesn’t feel comfortable? They might step back, look away, go quiet, or not smile. If you’re unsure, you can ask, ‘Are you okay?’ or give them space.”
  • “When someone says no, being respectful means you listen, accept their answer, and don’t try to pressure them or make them feel bad. Everyone has the right to their own space and choices.”

• Supporting positive communication
  Practise ways your child can express their feelings calmly and respectfully, even when they are upset. You might say “Let’s think about what you could say next time that helps solve the problem.” You could provide them with examples like:

  • “I’m not finished yet. Can I have another turn please?”
  • “I’m getting frustrated. Can we take a minute and come back to this?”

Practising these responses when your child is calm makes it much easier for them to use them in real situations.

• Reinforcing positive behaviour
  Acknowledge and praise respectful actions e.g. “I noticed how you waited your turn - that was very respectful.”

Modelling inclusive and respectful relationships is the shared role of schools and families. This includes addressing behaviours such as bullying, exclusion, harassment, racism, discrimination and/or harmful online interactions.

Working together with your child’s school helps create a consistent and supportive approach. You can:

• Stay informed
  All NSW public schools have a School behaviour support and management plan (SBSMP). This plan explains how the school teaches and supports positive behaviour and responds to inappropriate behaviour, including bullying.

Read school communications and the SBSMP so you understand the expectations around respectful behaviour. For more information visit What guides schools to manage student behaviour?

Engage with school events and learning that celebrate culture and community.

Connect with your child’s school if you would like to share cultural knowledge or perspectives.

• Use consistent language
  Reinforce the same expectations at home that are used at school. You might say:
  • “Use kind words - try asking, ‘Can I have a turn please?’ instead of grabbing.”
  • “Let’s make sure everyone is included - who could you invite to join in?”
  • “You don’t have to agree, but you do need to be respectful - how you speak to people matters.”
  • “Everyone has a right to learn - so avoid distracting others or getting involved in drama.”

• Communicate regularly with teachers
  Schools work in partnership with families and local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities to model and reinforce respectful relationships.

Share any concerns, ask questions, and work together to support your child’s social and behavioural development.

• Support school strategies at home
  If the school is using specific strategies (e.g. goal setting, behaviour reminders), continue these conversations at home.

• Encourage your child to speak with staff
  Help your child feel confident to seek support from teachers and staff if they are unsure or experiencing difficulties.

• Work together on solutions
  If challenges arise, collaborate with the school to develop consistent strategies that support your child both at home and in the classroom.

You can support your child to develop responsibility by building routines, encouraging independence, and reinforcing positive habits. Talk about how their choices affect others and help them contribute positively to the community, and act thoughtfully both in person and online, while respecting shared values, including those of Aboriginal cultures. You can:

• Establish clear routines at home
  Create consistent morning, homework, and bedtime routines to support organisation and readiness for school. You might say:
  • “In the morning, we get dressed, eat breakfast, and pack your bag to be ready for school.”
  • “Let’s set a routine where homework gets done before gaming or going out.”

• Support regular school attendance
  Ensure your child attends school every day, arrives on time, and is ready to learn. Talk about why attendance is important for their learning, friendships, and sense of belonging. You might say:
  • “We go to school every day unless you’re sick - your teacher and friends are expecting you.”
  • “Even if you don’t feel like it, getting there on time helps you keep up and not fall behind.”

• Encourage organisation and preparation
  Help your child pack their bag, organise materials, and plan ahead for school tasks and activities. You might say:
  • “Let’s pack your bag together - hat, lunch, and library book so you’re ready.”
  • “Check your timetable and pack what you need tonight so you’re not rushing in the morning.”

• Promote independence
  Encourage your child to take responsibility for their belongings, learning, and actions. You might say:
  • “You can put your things away and get your school bag ready - I’ll help if you need.”
  • “It’s your responsibility to keep track of your assignments and deadlines - but I can help you set up a system that works.”

• Talk about effort and persistence
  Reinforce the importance of trying their best and learning from mistakes rather than giving up. You might say:
  • “That was tricky, but you kept trying - that’s what matters.”
  • “It’s okay if it’s hard - putting in effort and asking for help is what helps you improve.”

• Support safe and appropriate technology use
  Set clear expectations for how and when technology is used at home, especially for learning. You might say:
  • “Being responsible with screen time means homework first, then you can have some time on your device as agreed.”
  • “Being responsible with your phone means using it in a way that doesn’t distract from your schoolwork - so you stay on top of what you need to do.”
  • “Being responsible online also means being kind and respectful to others. This includes not sending hurtful messages, sharing mean posts or joining in online bullying.”

For more information about online safety visit Parents | eSafety Commissioner.

• Recognise responsible behaviour
  Acknowledge when your child demonstrates responsible decision making. Some examples include: completing homework, being prepared, helping others, making good choices in relationships like noticing peer pressure and asking for help, and acting respectfully and safely both online and in person. You might say:
  • “I noticed you packed your bag and got your homework done without being reminded - that’s very responsible.”
  • “You managed your homework and got organised for tomorrow without me needing to remind you - that shows real responsibility.”
  • “I’m really proud of how you handled that situation online. You chose not to join in, stayed respectful and told a trusted adult – that was a responsible choice.”

Schools work in partnership with families, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families, to help students develop responsibility, independence, and positive behaviours like speaking up, seeking support, and making responsible choices to prevent harm to others.

A consistent approach between home and school helps your child build strong habits:

• Support your child’s attendance - every day matters
  Work with the school to maintain regular attendance and communicate any absences. Seek support if your child is finding it difficult to attend school. For more information about the importance of attendance, you can read the Compulsory school attendance factsheet or visit School attendance - information for parents.

• Stay informed about expectations
  Be familiar with school routines, homework expectations, and technology guidelines.

  All NSW public schools have a School behaviour support and management plan (SBSMP). This plan explains how the school teaches and supports positive behaviour and responds to inappropriate behaviour, including bullying.

  For more information visit What guides schools to manage student behaviour?

• Reinforce school routines at home
  Use similar language and expectations to support consistency (e.g. being prepared, following instructions).

• Maintain communication with teachers
  Check in about your child’s progress, organisation, and any areas where they may need support.

• Support goal setting
  Work with the school to set achievable goals for your child and celebrate progress.

• Encourage accountability
  Help your child take responsibility for their actions and work through solutions when challenges arise.

• Work together on strategies
  If your child needs additional support, work with the school to use consistent strategies across home and school.

Feeling safe at school means more than just physical safety - it also includes feeling respected, included, and valued for who you are.

This includes feeling safe in your identity, culture, and background. Schools are committed to creating inclusive environments where all students feel a strong sense of belonging.

We value students from all cultures, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, and work in partnership with families to ensure every child feels respected in their identity and culture, and connected to their learning and school community.

It’s also important for students to understand that safety includes emotional and online safety. This means feeling free from harm, bullying, pressure, or unsafe behaviour in friendships, relationships, and digital spaces. Families can help by talking with their child about what safe and respectful behaviour looks like in all areas of their life.

You can help your child understand and practise safe behaviour in everyday situations:

Talk about what safety looks like

• Discuss how to stay safe at school, online, and in the community. You might ask:
  • “What does being safe look like in the playground/classroom?”
  • “What should you do if you feel unsure or uncomfortable?”
  • “Who are the adults at school you can go to for help?”

• If your child is unsure, you can prompt them with examples such as:
  • “Being safe might look like using equipment the right way, walking in the classroom, and keeping your hands to yourself.”
  • “If you feel unsafe, you could move away, tell a teacher, or say ‘I need help’.”
  • “If someone is bullying you or being racist towards you or someone else, remember you can ask them to stop, stay close to friends, and talk to a trusted adult about what’s happening.”
  • “At school, safe adults include your teacher, the principal, the office staff, or the duty teacher on the playground.”

Encourage speaking up

• Help your child understand that it is always okay to ask for help from a trusted adult if they feel unsafe or unsure. You might ask:
  • “What could you say if you felt unsafe?”
  • “Who could you go to if something doesn’t feel right?”

• If your child is unsure, you can model responses like:
  • “You could say: ‘I don’t feel safe’ or ‘Can you help me please?’”
  • “If you’re not sure who to ask, you can always go to the nearest teacher or another trusted adult.”
  • “Even if you’re not 100% sure something is wrong, it’s still okay to ask for help.”

Practise problem-solving skills

• Use role-play or everyday examples to help your child practise calm and respectful responses. You might ask:
  • “What could you do if someone is being unkind?”
  • “What if you and a friend both want to play a different game?”
  • “What could you do if you disagree with someone in a group task?”

• If they are unsure, you can suggest:
  • “You could say ‘Stop, I don’t like that’ or walk away and find a teacher.”
  • “You could take turns, find another game, or ask an adult to help you decide.”
  • “You could say, ‘I don’t agree, but let’s find a way to work this out,’ or suggest taking a break and coming back to the conversation.”
  • “If things feel too hard, getting an adult is always a good option.”

Reinforce personal boundaries

• Help your child to understand personal space and the right to feel safe. You might ask:
  • “What does it mean to respect someone’s space?”
  • “What should you do if someone is too close or you don’t like what is happening?”

• If your child is unsure, you can explain:
  • “Personal space means keeping your hands and body to yourself unless someone says it’s okay.”
  • “You can say: ‘Please stop’ or ‘I don’t like that’.”
  • “If someone doesn’t listen, move away and tell a teacher or trusted adult.”

Discuss online safety

• Talk regularly about safe technology use, including protecting personal information and respectful online behaviour. You might ask:
  • “What should you do if something online makes you uncomfortable?”
  • “What information is safe to share online?”
  • “How do you know what you are doing online is safe and appropriate?”
• If your child is unsure, you can guide them with:
  • “Never share your full name, address, school name, or passwords with people online that you don’t know in real life.”
  • “If something pops up that feels weird or scary, don’t reply - close it and tell an adult straight away.”
  • “Think carefully before you type and never ask for or share inappropriate materials such as nude images and deepfakes.”

• For more information about online safety visit Parents | eSafety Commissioner.

Acknowledge safe choices

• Recognise when your child makes decisions that keep themselves and others safe. Notice and name safe behaviours when they happen. You might say:
  • “I saw you waited your turn - that was very safe and fair.”
  • “You told an adult when something didn’t feel right - that was the right thing to do.”
  • “You walked away from that situation instead of reacting - that shows great self-control.”

Building safe relationship skills is the shared role of schools and families. These skills include help seeking, positive bystander action, respectful boundaries, and recognising when behaviour may place themselves and/or others at risk.

Partnering with the school helps ensure your child feels safe and supported:

Understand school safety procedures

Familiarise yourself with the school’s expectations and processes for keeping students safe.

All NSW public schools have a School behaviour support and management plan (SBSMP). This plan explains how the school teaches and supports positive behaviour and responds to inappropriate behaviour, including bullying.

You can find your school’s School behaviour support and management plan on the school website under “Policies” or “Student Wellbeing.” If you cannot locate it, you can also contact the school office and ask for a copy or summary.

For more information visit What guides schools to manage student behaviour?

Use consistent messaging

Reinforce the same expectations about safety at home as those used at school.

When children hear the same messages in both environments, they are more likely to understand, remember, and follow them.

At school, students are expected to be safe, respectful, and responsible. You can support this by using similar language at home so your child hears a consistent message. For example, you might say:

• “At school and home we are kind to others.”
• “Being safe means listening to adults and following instructions the first time.”
• “If something doesn’t feel right, we stop, move away, and tell a trusted adult.”
• “Being safe also means making smart choices - like staying out of situations that could escalate or get out of control.”

You can also connect home situations to school expectations:

• “That’s the same as school - you used calm words to solve a problem instead of reacting.”
• “Remember, just like at school, we look after other people’s space and feelings.”
• “That was a safe choice - walking away instead of getting involved.”

Work together to resolve issues

Let the school know if your child raises any safety concerns or if you notice changes in behaviour.

If your child is finding it difficult to follow expectations, the best next step is to contact your child’s teacher or the school’s wellbeing team.

Collaborate with the school to address concerns and support your child in resolving conflicts safely. Together, you can discuss strategies that support your child both at school and at home.

For more information about working with your child’s school visit How do I work with my child’s school?

Stay engaged

Try to participate in school initiatives that promote student wellbeing and safety and maintain regular communication with your child about their day at school.