Tackling bullying
The new Queensland Government is giving parents the support they need to tackle bullying, so no kid feels alone. Support is available through a 7-day-a-week Parentline, staffed by trained counsellors working alongside a specialist team of dedicated case workers.
Bullying: What Parents and Carers Need to Know
At our school, student wellbeing and safety are a priority. Understanding what bullying is and how we work together to prevent and respond to it , helps us create a safe, respectful learning environment for all students.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying is repeated and intentional behaviour that involves a misuse of power and causes harm. It can be:
- Verbal (name-calling, teasing)
- Physical (hitting, pushing)
- Social (exclusion, spreading rumours)
- Online (cyberbullying)
Not all conflict is bullying. One-off disagreements or conflicts between students of equal power are not defined as bullying, but they still deserve attention and support.
Signs Your Child May Be Experiencing Bullying
Children may not always tell adults when something is wrong. Some signs to look out for include:
- Reluctance or anxiety about attending school
- Changes in mood, sleep or eating patterns
- Withdrawal from friends or activities
- Unexplained injuries or lost belongings
If you notice changes, start with a calm, supportive conversation.
If Your Child Is Being Bullied
If your child shares concerns about bullying:
- Listen and reassure them that it’s not their fault
- Stay calm and gather the facts
- Document what has happened (dates, times, details)
- Contact the school early so we can work together
- Avoid contacting the other child or family directly
Our school works closely with families to support students and address concerns respectfully and effectively.
If Your Child Is Bullying Others
Learning that your child has been involved in bullying behaviour can be difficult. Helpful steps include:
- Staying calm and listening
- Helping your child understand the impact of their actions
- Focusing on learning and growth, not blame
- Working collaboratively with the school
- Modelling respectful behaviour at home
Support is available, and early intervention makes a difference.
Online Safety and Cyberbullying
Online spaces are part of young people’s social world. To support safe online behaviour:
- Set clear family expectations around technology use
- Use parental controls where appropriate
- Talk regularly and openly about online experiences
- Encourage children to report concerns early
If cyberbullying occurs:
- Keep evidence (screenshots, messages)
- Block and report harmful content
- Contact the school for support
Seek external help if needed
Working Together With the School
Strong partnerships between home and school are key. Families are encouraged to:
- Raise concerns early
- Familiarise themselves with school behaviour policies
- Maintain open communication with staff
- Check in regularly with their child
We are committed to working collaboratively to ensure every student feels safe and supported.
Support Services for Families and Students
There are a range of free and confidential services available:
For parents and carers
- Parentline
- Parent Navigator
- Raising Children Network
- Bullying No Way
For students
- Kids Helpline
- Headspace
- eSafety Commissioner
Wellbeing Supports at TGSHS
Report bullying concerns directly to Heads of Year (for respective year level), Deputy Principal or through STYMIE.
🔍 What Stymie Is
- A web-based anonymous tool for students to notify school staff about harm (e.g. bullying, cyberbullying, fights, self-harm, illegal activity) without revealing their identity.
- Notifications are encrypted and confidential and delivered to authorised school wellbeing staff who can respond appropriately.
- It supports early intervention and encourages students to speak up rather than stay silent.
🎯 Why It Matters
- Helps bystanders become “upstanders” — students who act when they see something harmful rather than ignoring it.
- Enables school communities to address concerns before they escalate.
- No login or app download is required — students just go to the Stymie website to submit a report.
📲 What Can Be Reported
Students can report a range of concerns, including:
- Bullying (physical, verbal, social, online)
- Cyberbullying and harassment
- Depression, anxiety, or self-harm concerns
- Family violence and illegal activities
- Situations where someone might be at risk or unsafe
🧠 How We Use It
Once a notification is made, the school’s wellbeing team reviews the information and follows up according to the our wellbeing and behaviour frameworks. Stymie doesn’t store personal data; its design prioritises privacy and student safety.
Stymie provides a safe, anonymous way for students to speak up so that schools can act early and support wellbeing across the community.