Creating a culture of kindness in our schools
Sydney Morning Herald
by The Herald's ViewFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Creating a culture of kindness in schools is essential to combat the harmful effects of bullying, which costs the country $500 million annually and causes victims to lose up to eight months of learning. The NSW government’s new framework replaces the ineffective "zero tolerance" approach with a focus on rehabilitation, kindness, and prevention. Instead of suspending or expelling bullies as a first response, schools will prioritize counselling and support to address underlying issues and prevent future harm.
The current system often struggles due to a lack of clear guidelines, evidence, or fear among victims to speak up. The new policy aims to provide clarity by establishing protocols for investigating incidents, determining their severity, and managing both bullies and victims effectively. This shift is critical as it acknowledges the trauma caused not only by bullying but also by how schools handle these situations.
Heritage College exemplifies a school prioritizing kindness alongside academics, emphasizing that every child can be taught to be kind. By fostering such cultures, schools can reduce time spent on disciplinary actions and focus more on learning. The new framework allows for consequences like suspension or expulsion but only as a last resort, combining them with behavioural interventions to address the root causes of bullying.
Parents also play a vital role in encouraging kindness at home, particularly through limiting social media access for under-16s. Schools will be held accountable for implementing the new policy, with NESA threatening accreditation loss if they fail to meet standards. This balanced approach aims to protect victims while offering bullies an opportunity for rehabilitation.
The shift from punitive measures to a culture of kindness and support is a significant
Verticals
worldaustralia
Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/14/2026