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Bullying No Way: National week of action

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    Bullying No Way: National week of action supports schools to work with parents, students and their school communities to find solutions to bullying and violent behaviour.

    The event is held in the third week of August each year.

    The week gives schools the opportunity to:

    • promote initiatives
    • raise awareness of how to prevent and respond to bullying and violence
    • showcase bullying and violence prevention work
    • highlight steps taken to create inclusive and safe school communities
    • share how they take action and empower children and young people, staff, families and the community to be part of the solution
    • send a clear message that bullying and violence are not accepted.

    How to get involved

    In 2024 the national week is on Monday 12 to  Friday 16 August.

    The national theme is ‘everyone belongs’. When we all feel like we belong, bullying struggles to find a place.

    Funding for bullying and violence prevention projects in schools and preschools

    To celebrate the 2024 National Week of Action against Bullying and Violence, 78 South Australian government schools were awarded project funding.

    The projects will help to improve safe spaces at their school to reduce unsafe behaviours and increases positive behaviours.

    Projects include:

    • a Yarning Circle where students are supported by school staff to have respectful conversations. It will also operate as an outdoor classroom where students will learn about Aboriginal culture and history from visiting Aboriginal Elders
    • a new peer-to-peer play space in a special options site. Special options and mainstream students can develop peer to peer connections with the support of school staff
    • the creation of a basketball area where students can engage in physical activity in a structured and supervised setting.

    Other funding for schools and preschools

    The Department for Education also provided South Australian government schools and preschools the opportunity to register for funding to celebrate the week.

    61 schools and preschools were supported for events they will host during the National Week of Action.

    Register with Bullying. No Way!

    Each year thousands of schools across the country register their participation. You can register your school too.

    See the Bullying No Way website for more information.

    Encourage student participation in your school

    Meaningful student participation supports children and young people. This is an ongoing process that leads to better decision making, service and outcomes for students and their communities.

    Learn more about how student agency (PDF 2 MB) impacts meaningful student participation.

    How you can discuss bullying on the National Day of Action

    Research shows that strong connections and social skills help to prevent bullying and violence. It also encourages students to seek help if they need it.

    See resources to support conversations around bullying and violence prevention:

    Other awareness raising events for schools

    Harmony Week

    Harmony week celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. It occurs annually in March.

    21 March is also the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

    National Reconciliation Week

    National reconciliation week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

    It occurs annually from 27 May to 3 June.

    Safer Internet Day

    Safer Internet Day is an international day to promote safer and more responsible use of digital technology. In Australia the day is led by the eSafety Commissioner .

    It occurs annually in February.

    Violence prevention and response in schools

    On 23 April 2024, the Safe and Supportive Learning Environments Plan of Action (PDF 187 KB) to address violence in schools was released by the Minister for Education, Training and Skills. See violence prevention and response in schools on our public website for more information.

    Engagement and Wellbeing

    Email: education.behaviourpolicy [at] sa.gov.au