The purpose of the review was to examine what is working to prevent and respond to bullying in Australian schools and what needs strengthening, before reporting to Education Ministers. It examined current school procedures and best practice methods to address bullying behaviours.

The review includes eight recommendations that aim to ensure that every Australian school is a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment where bullying and other harmful behaviours are not accepted. 

The report is accompanied by a National Standard on addressing bullying in Australian Schools. This document provides the framework for all school systems and schools to establish shared national expectations and actions.

Recommendations

1. Education Ministers commit to actions and reforms that set a National Standard for every Australian school to be a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment.
2. Education Ministers consider the suggested principles-based National Standard for implementation across all school systems.
3. The Australian Government lead transformative national actions, including a targeted public awareness campaign.
4. Education Ministers, school systems and school leaders support every school to implement clear, transparent, trauma-informed and responsive anti-bullying policies and procedures.
5. Education Ministers commit to actions to empower and equip school communities to work together to prevent and address bullying and other harmful behaviours and build safe and positive environments.
6. Education Ministers, school systems and school boards support local school action.
7. Education Ministers commit to continual improvement in addressing bullying and other harmful behaviours.
8. Education Ministers note that preventing and addressing bullying and other harmful behaviours goes beyond the education setting and engage with other relevant portfolio Ministers to support a whole-of-society approach.