There are resources and support available for people affected by bullying or harassment. Many websites and helplines are dedicated to informing, helping and providing practical advice on bullying and harassment.
Supporting a child or young person experiencing bullying or harassment
Sometimes children don’t want their parents to become involved in bullying incidents for various reasons. They might be:
- embarrassed or ashamed of what’s going on
- feeling hopeless and alone
- afraid of the consequences if they tell you.
If they do talk to you about it, helpful things you can say might include:
- 'Telling me about what’s happening was the right thing to do'.
- 'I believe you and I take this seriously'.
- 'Tell me more about what’s been going on'.
Stay calm and positive
You'll need to consider what you know about your child and the details of the situation to make the best decision for your child.
It can be upsetting when your child is experiencing bullying so draw on your own support networks if necessary.
Talk with your child
Encourage your child to speak openly about what has happened. If appropriate, discuss strategies with your child and set a short period of time to see if they resolve the situation if they want to deal with the bullying themselves.
Strategies they could try include:
- to walk away
- try to act unimpressed or unaffected
- diffusing the situation by agreeing in an offhand way with the bullying when they say offensive or negative things
- saying ‘No!’ assertively
- talking to the teacher or other staff such as a school counsellor.
If bullying or harassment continues or gets worse, it may be necessary to contact the school. Refer to the reporting bullying and harassment page.
These actions can be applied if your child:
- has been involved in bullying or harassment of others
- is a bystander and might be affected by the bullying or harassment of others
- is a bystander and is concerned about other students being bullied.
Information and support services
These services offer support, information and advice about how to respond to bullying and harassment.
Bullying. No Way! is designed to provide parents and children with access to information about bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence in schools. It contains a mix of games, art, stories, forums, advice and facts about bullying, including cyberbullying.
National Centre Against Bullying gives examples of different types of bullying. You will find advice about cyber-safety and what to do if you know someone is being bullied.
Australian Cyber Security Centre is the Australian government's cyber security website, providing information on steps individuals and families can take to protect themselves online.
Online Safety - a guide for parents and carers is an online publication by the eSafety Comissioner.
Counselling and support
The following helplines provide support and advice about how to report bullying and harassment.
Kids Helpline
Phone: 1800 551 800
www.kidshelp.com.au
Youth Beyond Blue
Phone: 1300 224 636
www.youthbeyondblue.com
Headspace
Phone: 1800 650 890
www.eheadspace.org.au
Reach Out
Parent Helpline
Phone: 1300 364 100
www.parenting.sa.gov.au
Serious cyberbullying
Refer to the report bullying and harassment and eSafety Commissioner pages for support and advice on how to respond to cyberbullying.
Legal advice
For free legal advice contact:
- Legal Services Commission of South Australia - phone 1300 366 424, chat with Legal Services Commission online or read the section on bullying of children and young people in the Law Handbook
- Youth Law Australia - read the information on cyberbullying or make a request for legal advice online.
Bullying that may be a criminal offence
If you think the bullying involves a criminal offence, you can report the matter to the police.
If you feel you’re in immediate danger, contact the South Australia Police on Triple Zero (000).
If you require police attendance, call 131 444.
