Student Wellbeing

Small Acts. Big Impact.

Creating a School Where Everyone Belongs

Bullying can have a big impact on someone’s life, but kindness can too. We sometimes think making a difference means doing something big or standing up in a dramatic way. Often, it’s much simpler than that.

This year, during Bullying. No Way! Week, the theme is Small Acts, Big Impact. It’s a good reminder that the little things we do each day can help people feel welcome, included and safe at school.

A smile. Asking someone, “Are you okay?” Sitting with someone who is on their own. Inviting someone to join in. Choosing not to laugh when a joke is hurtful.

These things might seem small, but they can mean a lot to someone who is having a difficult day.

It starts with noticing

Bullying isn’t always easy to spot. Sometimes it’s obvious, but sometimes it happens quietly.

You might notice that someone who is usually chatty has become quiet. Maybe they are avoiding certain people or places, no longer joining in, or seem uncomfortable when their name comes up in a group chat. They might seem like they don’t really want to be at school.

We don’t always know what is going on for someone, and we don’t need to. If you notice that someone doesn’t seem themselves, check in. A simple “Are you okay?” can be a good place to start.

And if you’re worried about someone, talk to a teacher or another trusted adult. You don’t have to work it out on your own.

Small acts of kindness matter

You don’t have to be someone’s best friend to make them feel included.

It could be as simple as:

Saying hello to someone you usually walk past.
Asking someone sitting alone to join you.
Saving someone a seat.
Including someone in a game, conversation or group chat.
Giving someone a genuine compliment.
Checking in when someone doesn’t seem themselves.
Listening without judging.
Sending a kind message when someone is having a difficult day.

It’s easy to think, “It’s only a little thing.” But think about a day when you’ve been having a rough time and someone has taken the time to notice you. That small gesture can make things feel a little easier.

What if you see something that’s not okay?

Sometimes a small act is about what we choose not to do.

You don’t have to laugh at a hurtful joke just because everyone else is laughing. You don’t have to forward a mean message or join in when someone is being deliberately left out.

You might simply say, “That’s not okay.” You could change the subject, walk away, check in with the person afterwards or tell a trusted adult.

You also don’t have to confront someone on your own. If something is happening that doesn’t feel right, getting help is a sensible and responsible thing to do.

Your actions matter

School is made up of lots of little moments - in the classroom, on the oval, at lunchtime, in the locker bay and in group chats.

We can’t control everything that happens around us, but we can think about how we treat the people around us.

So, during Bullying. No Way! Week, take a moment to notice what’s happening around you. Is someone being left out? Does someone seem like they’re having a hard day? Is there an opportunity to include someone?

Say hello. Invite someone in. Check in. Speak up when something isn’t right.

You might not think much of it at the time, but it could mean more to someone than you realise.

You don’t have to do something big to make a difference.

Small acts. Big impact.