This Sydney school has eliminated bullying. Now there’s a plan for every classroom

Sydney Morning Herald

by Emily Kowal

February 14, 2026

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This Sydney school has eliminated bullying. Now there’s a plan for every classroom

Sydney’s approach to tackling bullying in schools is set to undergo a transformative shift under new guidelines aimed at fostering safer environments for students. Starting next year, all NSW schools will implement personalized safety plans for bullied students, offering them additional supervision, safe zones, and trusted adult contacts. The framework emphasizes prioritizing student wellbeing over punitive measures, encouraging schools to teach kindness, respect, and inclusion while counseling those who bully rather than suspending or expelling them. Every bullying incident must be recorded and addressed within two days, with a focus on preventing future harm. The plan introduces a triage system categorizing incidents into low, medium, or high risk based on factors like physical harm, emotional impact, and recurrence. Schools will need to respond accordingly, ranging from counseling to external referrals. This approach aligns with research by Professor Donna Cross, who found that zero-tolerance policies are ineffective and can exacerbate the problem. Instead, schools are encouraged to create supportive environments where students feel safe to report incidents and receive the help they need. Teachers are instructed to avoid labeling students as “bullies” or “victims,” instead focusing on teaching empathy, conflict resolution, and responsible decision-making. The guidelines also suggest involving students in anti-bullying campaigns through initiatives like selecting cyber safety ambassadors or creating digital content that promotes positive behavior. Additionally, schools are advised to anonymously survey students about their experiences with bullying and involve them in designing solutions. The framework underscores the importance of addressing bullying proactively, as research shows Australian students are among the most exposed to such behavior globally. By fostering a culture of kindness and support, NSW aims to reduce the long-term impact of bullying on academic performance and mental health. The new policies reflect a broader shift toward evidence-based strategies that prioritize student wellbeing and aim to create lasting change in school environments.

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/14/2026