Healthy Minds @Highvale
Bullying and Friendship: Building Respectful Relationships
Positive friendships help students feel safe, connected and confident at school. Beyond academics, school is a place where young people learn to navigate friendships. Friendship conflict is a normal part of any relationship - bullying is different and is never acceptable. Knowing the difference, and how to respond, helps us support respectful relationships in and out of the classroom.
What's the difference?
It can be hard to tell them apart, since both involve hurt feelings, but they need different responses. Bullying is when all three of these happen together:
It is ongoing.
One person has more power than the other.
It's done to cause harm - physical or emotional.
Navigating friendships in high school
Good friendships are built on showing interest in others, listening, and including people.
Falling out with a friend doesn't mean it's over - talk it through calmly.
Friendships change over time. It's natural to grow closer to some people and drift from others
If something feels unfair or unkind, speak up calmly and respectfully. If it isn't resolving, it's okay to ask a trusted adult for help.
What to do if bullying is happening
Tell someone - a teacher and someone at home. It usually won't stop unless someone knows. You can always come to the Year Level Coordinator or Wellbeing team.
If it's online, keep a record and don't respond. Show a trusted adult instead.
Avoid retaliating; it rarely helps
Stay close to friends and things you enjoy. Bullying can feel isolating, but it says nothing about who you are.
Tips for parents/carers
It can be difficult to know how to respond if your child tells you they’re being bullied. You can try using the LATE method.
Listen. React in a calm and supportive manner, so your child feels confident and safe talking with you.
Acknowledge. Acknowledge that bullying is wrong, that you understand they may be upset - and that bullying has consequences.
Talk about options. Ask what you can do to help. Make a plan to make the situation better.
End with encouragement. Remind them that bullying is never deserved, and that you'll work together to make things better.
While bullying isn’t okay, young people are learning social and emotional skills and will make mistakes. You can also use LATE to approach your child about their own actions.
However you choose to address the problem, it is helpful to be present, listen first, and validate their feelings before solving.
Resources for students/carers affected by bullying
Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
Headspace – Centres and online support for young people aged 12–25
13 Yarn – 13 92 76 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
Highvale Wellbeing Team – available to support students and families
William McKinley
Social Worker