Parent Wellbeing

Small Acts. Big Impact.

Creating a school where everyone belongs

This year, during Bullying. No Way! Week, the theme is Small Acts, Big Impact.

It’s a simple message, but an important one. We often think that making a difference means doing something big. In reality, it can be the small things we do every day that have the biggest impact on how someone feels.

For children, this might be saying hello to someone who is on their own, inviting someone to join in, checking on a friend who doesn't seem themselves, or choosing not to join in when someone is being laughed at or left out.

Small acts can help someone feel noticed, included and that they belong.

What can parents and carers do?

As adults, we have an important role in helping children understand what small acts of kindness and inclusion look like.

We can encourage our children to:

Notice when someone is being left out.
Include others where they can.
Check in with a friend who seems to be having a difficult day.
Think before posting, commenting or forwarding something online.
Choose not to join in with hurtful jokes or comments.
Speak up when something doesn't feel right.
Tell a trusted adult if they are worried about themselves or someone else.

We can also model these behaviours ourselves. Children notice how we talk about other people, how we respond when someone is treated unfairly and whether we make an effort to include others.

Sometimes, noticing is the first small act

Bullying isn't always obvious, and children don't always tell us when something is wrong.

A child might become quieter than usual, seem reluctant to come to school, avoid certain people or activities, or become upset about something happening online.

These signs don't necessarily mean bullying is happening, but they are worth noticing.

A simple, “You don't seem quite yourself - is everything okay?” can open the door to a conversation.

And if your child does tell you something is happening, let them know you are glad they told you. Listen, stay calm and, where needed, work with the school to support them.

Small acts matter online too

Our children's friendships don't stop when they leave school. Group chats, gaming and social media can be a big part of their social lives.

A small act online can have a big impact too.

Including someone in a conversation, not forwarding a hurtful message, checking in with someone who has been left out, or choosing not to add to a pile-on.

Regular conversations about what is happening online can help children feel more comfortable coming to us when something doesn't feel right.

Helpful resources for parents and carers

We have included some short Parent TV videos that may be helpful when talking with your child about bullying, friendships, inclusion and online behaviour.

What Bulling is and what bullying isn’t

What to do if your child is being bullied in person or online

How to teach your child to deal with bullying

What to do if bullying doesn’t stop

How to teach your child to support others who are being bullied

What if my child has bullying behaviours

How do I know if my child is being cyber-bullied and what should I do if they are

As a school community, we all have a part to play in helping every child feel safe, included and that they belong.

This Bullying. No Way! Week, we encourage our students - and ourselves - to look for the small things we can do.

Notice someone. Include someone. Check in. Speak up.

They might seem like small acts, but they can make a big impact.

Small Acts. Big Impact.