We Need Bold Action on Australia’s School Safety Crisis
Australian schools are facing an escalating safety crisis. Recent research and media reports have highlighted rising levels of bullying, violence, and classroom disruption, placing enormous pressure on teachers, students, and families. At The Stand Up Project, we believe this moment demands strong action, fresh thinking, and a commitment to equipping young people with the skills and strategies to create safer, more respectful school communities.
Why This Matters
Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Riordan, a respected school leader and academic, recently called for urgent national attention on school safety. His message was clear: enough is enough. Too many students and teachers are experiencing bullying, harassment, or physical assaults, while families increasingly turn to homeschooling as a last resort.
At the same time, national surveys and data from PISA, TIMSS, and the Australian Principal Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Survey show a disturbing trend. Rates of disruptive behaviour are climbing, principals are reporting higher levels of violence and abuse, and the wellbeing of teachers and students is suffering.
Where The Stand Up Project Fits In
At The Stand Up Project, our work is centred on bullying prevention, student leadership, and empowerment. We deliver student-led anti-bullying programs across primary and secondary schools, giving young people the tools to become Upstanders, students who take positive action when they see bullying, discrimination, or exclusion.
Our approach is built around:
Student Voice and Leadership – young people lead discussions and activities, ensuring solutions are relevant and authentic.
Peer-to-Peer Learning – older students guide and mentor younger peers, building a culture of respect and inclusion.
Evidence-Based Strategies – including the Four D’s of Upstanding (Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay) and practical lessons on resilience, empathy, and safe online behaviour.
Community Engagement – involving teachers and parents to strengthen a whole-school approach.
What the Evidence Shows
99% of teachers and parents who participate in The Stand Up Project recommend it to other schools.
Students consistently report increased confidence, stronger leadership skills, and a greater willingness to intervene when they witness bullying.
Schools implementing our program often see improvements in their Attitudes to School Survey (AToSS) results, particularly in areas like student voice, inclusion, and safety.
Moving Forward
As Professor Riordan emphasises, schools cannot solve this crisis alone. Governments must provide adequate resources, policies, and systemic support. But change also starts within classrooms and playgrounds, and that’s where student leadership and empowerment make a real difference.
By equipping young people to stand up for each other, challenge harmful behaviour, and build positive social norms, we can begin to reverse these trends.
The Stand Up Project is proud to be part of that change.
