For the first time, the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (or NDA) has expanded into a week-long initiative – now known as Bullying No Way: National Week of ActionExternal link. From 12 to 16 August 2024, schools and supporters will have more flexibility in planning activities that suit their schedules, whether it's spreading awareness throughout the week or focusing on a single impactful day.

The new hero colour purple symbolises peace, strength and standing up against bullying in a bold way.

• The objective of Bullying No Way Week is to encourage whole-school communities to work together to implement evidence-informed, positive and proactive solutions to prevent and address bullying and violence.

• This year’s theme is Everyone belongs. Belonging keeps us connected and is a powerful protection against bullying. There are five focus areas that schools can choose to focus on:

  1. Challenge stereotypes

  2. Promote empathy

  3. Embrace diversity

  4. Foster positive relationships

  5. Provide support

Each year, thousands of schools from all across Australia join in to promote inclusion, respect and belonging. And it's not just schools getting involved. Individuals, early childhood providers, community groups and sports organisations also play important roles in the lives of young people – helping create places where they feel included and belong.

Please register as a school, or as a supporterExternal link, and make a stand against bullying.

If you or someone you know are experiencing bullying and need support, visit https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/contact-us/need-help-nowExternal link.

What is bullying?

Bullying is when someone with more power than you deliberately and repeatedly tries to upset or hurt you. It can involve one or more of the following:

• the misuse of power in a relationship
• is intentional, ongoing and repeated
• behaviours that can cause harm.

Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. Bullying can be easy to see (overt), or hidden (covert). Cyberbullying is online bullying that involves the use of technology such as the internet or mobile devices.

The department’s Inclusive Practice Hub resource can help guide conversations to show students how they can respond positively to online hate and where to seek help to prevent harm. Students can also learn to be an upstander and help a friend who is being bullied. You can also refer to the Anti-bullying webpage and Universal Resources Hub - Anti-bullying collection for more support in the prevention, early intervention or response to bullying behaviours.

Once registered to participate in the Bullying No Way: National Week of ActionExternal link, schools and supporters will receive an online toolkit containing lots of resources—including teaching and learning activities, social media and newsletter content, webinars, a podcast, 'Everyone belongs' videos and much more learning.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student or member of the broader community, we invite you to join us. Everyone has a role to play in bullying prevention.

Resources

The eSafety Commissioner partnership

We are also working with the eSafety Commissioner and co-hosting live virtual classrooms for NSW public primary school classrooms, to support the delivery of the Bullying No Way: National Week of Action in our schools and communities.

Schools can register for live virtual classrooms:

• Years 3 and 4 – Be an eSafe kid: Better together – connecting with others and being positive online. Monday 12 August 2pm to 2.45pm. This webinar will help students to understand what an online community is and how to be a digital citizen. Students will learn about how to be a good friend online, positive behaviours on the internet and why good passwords and privacy setting can help you keep safe. Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/694082548198912864External link

• Years 5 and 6 – Be an eSafe kid: We are connected – using tech safely, responsibly and with respect. Tuesday 13 August 2pm to 2.45pm. Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8234034113207763296External link.

Sessions open to any school in Australia are also available, schools can register here:

• Year 3 and 4: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/1407963561971853664External link

• Year 5 and 6: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/698604553442369264External link

Cybermarvel resources

As a part of the department’s Cybermarvel Online Safety Awareness program, we have collated resources for teachers. A small section is relevant to addressing cyberbullying in schools.

Educators can use these as they see fit for their students.

• Years K-2External link
• Years 3-4External link
• Years 5-6External link
• Years 7-12External link
• Video 3: Being kind to others onlineExternal link
• Be a Cybermarvel -be kind online lesson plan for Stage 3

Further information

You can access more information here:

• Bullying No Way: National Week of ActionExternal link
• 2024 School event toolkitExternal link