THE Queensland Government has unveiled a bold new strategy to combat bullying in schools, announcing the rollout of Rapid Support Squads to respond to critical incidents and support students, families, and staff.
Premier David Crisafulli announced the $33 million plan last week, and it includes five new initiatives aimed at making schools across the state safer and more supportive.
“We’ve lost too many young lives to bullying,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“This plan puts the spotlight on a serious issue and delivers real, tangible support for schools, kids and parents.”
At the heart of the initiative are the Rapid Support Squads – teams of senior guidance officers and specialist support staff that will be based in each of Queensland’s eight education regions.
The squads will have the capacity to quickly deploy to schools experiencing severe bullying incidents, including in regional and remote communities.
The strategy also includes the establishment of a seven-day-a-week crisis support hotline, providing free and confidential counselling to parents and carers concerned about bullying-related issues.
Additional chaplains and student wellbeing staff will be placed in hundreds of schools to provide permanent, on-the-ground support. The Government is also developing updated professional development resources to better equip teachers, aides, and school staff, with tools to respond to bullying.
Another key element of the plan is the creation of the Anti-Bullying Stakeholder Reference Group, to be chaired by Griffith University’s Professor Donna Pendergast.
The group will bring together mental health professionals, educators, academics, and community leaders to guide the campaign and future initiatives.
The initiative builds on the Government’s earlier $44 million Behavioural Boost package aimed at improving classroom behaviour and teacher support.
Professor Pendergast echoed the need for a community-wide approach.
“Schools can’t do it alone,” she said. “We need everyone – educators, parents, carers, and communities – working together to create safe, respectful environments for every student.”
The new plan is expected to be rolled out progressively across Queensland.
