Behaviour at school and bullying

In our schools, everyone has a right to:

• be treated with dignity, courtesy and respect
• be part of education settings that are safe, secure and free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence
• have ways to raise complaints
• expect that complaints will be dealt with respectfully, with transparency and meaning
• expect that privacy will be respected at all times, unless there is an authorised reason otherwise.

This applies to all students, staff, parents, carers and visitors to the school.

We work with our public schools to encourage positive behaviour and address negative behaviours like bullying.

To learn about other supports for your child at school, visit student support and wellbeing.

What we're doing in our schools

Standards of behaviour

Under ACT law, it is an offence for a person to:

• act in a disorderly, violent or offensive way on our school premises
• fail to leave the premises if the principal, or a person they authorise, asks them to leave.

Our public schools follow the Safe and Supportive Schools Policy. This aims to:

• teach students how to manage emotions and make good choices
• help teachers meet students’ needs
• build a school culture where everyone is respected
• deal with bullying, harassment and violence quickly and fairly.

Read more about the Code of Conduct to promote respectful behaviour in our schools [PDF 126 KB].

Positive Behaviour for Learning

We give training and support to schools to encourage positive behaviour.

We use a research-informed framework called Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL). Most ACT public schools are using PBL. Its key features include:

• Agreeing on expected behaviours – students, staff and the community work together to agree on expected behaviours at school. This includes behaviours for the classroom and in other school spaces. Behaviours then align with school and community values. Schools frame expectations in a positive and inclusive way. For example, “move at a walking pace”.

• Teaching and practising expected behaviours – schools teach students expected behaviours and encourage them to practise them repeatedly. Our goal is for students to apply expectations at the right time and place, as well as in new situations and settings.

• Give feedback on expected behaviours – to encourage students to repeat expected behaviours, we provide specific positive feedback. For example, "thanks for being responsible and putting rubbish in the bin".

• Responding to problem behaviour – despite consistent practices, some students will still make behavioural errors. Schools see these as a teaching opportunity to clarify and re-teach expectations, give feedback and offer guidance.

Ask your school principal if your school is taking part in PBL. If you or the school want to know more, contact us.

Respectful Relationships Education

Many of our public schools teach Respectful Relationship Education (RRE) at all year levels. It is part of the health curriculum and social and emotional learning.

RRE helps students build their knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours in relation to respectful, equal and non-violent relationships.

Schools take a 'whole school' approach to implementing RRE. The aim is to build a culture of respect and equality in all aspects of school life. This ensures:

• every student can learn and thrive
• bullying and violence are seen as unacceptable.

Gender equality coaches support schools in these efforts.

Our schools deliver RRE in ways that are appropriate to students' age, covering topics such as:

• social and emotional learning
• online safety
• consent
• intervening if you see certain behaviours
• stereotypes.

What you can do at home

Know what to do about bullying

If you think your child is being bullied, take action. Your child may feel like they are going through the experience alone.

• Talk to your child’s teacher or the school principal.
• If you’re still worried, contact the ACT Education Directorate.

If you think your child may be bullying other students, download our parent factsheet on working with school staff to support behavioural issues at school [PDF 127 KB].

Resources on bullying and what to do about it

Teach your child about personal safety

At school, children learn how to protect themselves and when to ask for help. As a parent, you can also help by talking about safety at home.

Contact us

For more information or support, contact your school directly or contact us.