What Schools Need to Implement Before Term 1, 2027 (Anti-Bullying Review)
Behind every bullying statistic is a young person deciding whether school feels safe.
Following the Federal Government’s Anti-Bullying Rapid Review, Education Ministers across Australia have now endorsed the National Framework for Addressing Bullying in Australian Schools. This framework sets out new expectations for how schools prevent and respond to bullying.
The Australian Government, together with state, territory and non-government education sectors, will work to promote stronger awareness and understanding of bullying prevention and response strategies.
By Term 1, 2027:
All education sectors will embed the expectations of the National Framework (or equivalent jurisdiction frameworks) into school and sector-wide policies and procedures.
Schools will receive communication and guidance to strengthen understanding of the framework and key expectations, including the requirement for schools to initiate responses to bullying within two school days.
All schools will publish or link to updated bullying policies and procedures aligned with the National Framework, appropriate to their local context and sector requirements.
These reforms reflect a growing recognition that preventing bullying requires education, prevention, and whole-school approaches, not simply responding after harm occurs.
Why This Matters for Schools
The Rapid Review emphasises that prevention is most effective when students themselves are part of the solution.
When students understand:
what bullying looks like
why harmful behaviour occurs
how to safely support their peers
schools are far better positioned to prevent issues before they escalate.
How The Stand-Up Project Supports Schools
The Stand-Up Project works with schools through a student-led model that strengthens student voice and responsibility.
Students are trained to:
deliver Upstander education to younger peers
lead conversations about behaviour, inclusion and respect
share their perspectives with teachers and families
The program also includes teacher and parent sessions exploring key concepts such as the Bystander Effect, Upstander strategies (Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay), and the social dynamics that allow bullying behaviour to continue.
Impact
Schools implementing The Stand-Up Project frequently report improvements in:
improved behaviour
student willingness to speak up for others
peer support and inclusion
awareness of harmful behaviour
confidence among student leaders
Across participating schools, 93% of students report they are more likely to act as an Upstander, and 99% of teachers and parents say they would recommend the program.
Learn More
If your school is reviewing its bullying prevention approach, we would be happy to share how other schools are responding to the recommendations of the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review.
You can learn more here
