Everyone can help prevent school bullying, and most people have directly or indirectly participated in, witnessed, or experienced some form of bullying in their lives. Teachers and school staff play an important role in preventing and responding to bullying, by modelling good relationships and reminding students of acceptable/unacceptable behaviours. According to research (Dowling & Carey, 2013), if students think that their teachers do not know how to effectively intervene, they are less likely to seek help. However, students are more likely to report bullying if they think that:

• the teacher knows what to do;
  
• the teacher will respond sensitively and effectively;
• they will be treated with respect and provided support; and
• the teacher won't make things worse.

For this reason, it is important to not only learn about bullying, but to talk about it with students too. Whole school approaches to understanding and responding to bullying can be extremely helpful in preventing cultures of bullying. Policies, practices, and school-wide professional development can support staff and students. When these practices are widely communicated to students and parents and carers, school families can understand more clearly what to do when bullying occurs and feel more confident in accountability and reporting processes. Transparency around bullying policies can also help students to feel more confident to ask their teachers for help.

Life Ed has created this flyer for parents to help them understand bullying which you may wish to send home.