Working Together to Create Safer School Communities: Key Insights from the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review

Last week I downloaded the Final Report from the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review – an extensive and lengthy document that offers a timely and thoughtful reflection on how Australian schools can better prevent and respond to bullying. Commissioned by the Federal Government, the Review draws on extensive consultation with students, families, educators, and experts to propose a national reset in how we approach bullying in schools.

At Damascus College, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. The findings of this Review align closely with our values and provide practical guidance for strengthening our collective efforts.

Key Themes and Recommendations

1. A Whole-of-School Approach: The Review emphasises that addressing bullying requires the active involvement of the entire school community—students, staff, parents, carers, and leadership. Strong relationships, shared expectations, and inclusive practices are central to building a culture where bullying is not tolerated.

2. Clear and Timely Responses: Schools are encouraged to respond to bullying incidents within two school days. Transparent policies, clear reporting pathways, and consistent communication help build trust and ensure that all members of the community feel supported.

3. Early Intervention and Prevention: Prevention is key. The Review recommends age-appropriate education on respectful relationships, digital safety, and emotional wellbeing. Early identification of behavioural concerns allows schools to act before issues escalate. As we move towards Heads of School we can observe more obvious age appropriate trends allowing for a more strategic intervention and prevention approach.

4. Supporting School Staff: Teachers and school staff play a vital role in creating safe environments. The Review calls for trauma-informed training, wellbeing support, and resources to help staff respond effectively and sustainably.

5. A National Standard: A proposed National Standard on Bullying in Australian Schools aims to provide consistency across jurisdictions while allowing flexibility for local contexts. This standard would guide schools in developing inclusive, student-centred approaches to bullying prevention and response.

Moving Forward at Damascus

As we reflect on these findings, Damascus College remains committed to continuous improvement. We will continue to listen to our students, parents and carers, strengthen our wellbeing programs, and ensure our policies are clear, accessible, and responsive.

Creating a safe and respectful school environment is a shared responsibility. Together, we can ensure every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. As always we ask that parents and carers reach out to the College immediately if they are concerned about the safety of their or indeed other students.