Is it practical for schools to address a bullying complaint within a two-day timeframe?

The review highlights that bullying is not limited to students; at times, staff members and even parents can be the culprits.

It suggests establishing well-defined policies and procedures to tackle bullying. Schools should have straightforward reporting channels and provide teachers with additional training to effectively manage their classrooms and address bullying incidents.

Schools must demonstrate that they have implemented immediate safety measures and initiated an impartial investigation. While more complicated situations may take longer to resolve, taking these initial steps is crucial.

Early and visible action reassures students of their safety and informs families about the forthcoming steps.

This requires schools to show they have provided immediate safety measures and started an unbiased investigation. It recognises more complex cases may take longer to resolve, but this initial action is essential.

There is visible early action so students feel protected and families know what will happen next.

What does the review get right?

This is what current research suggests is the best way to approach this damaging issue.

The federal government announced a $10 million investment into a new national plan to combat school bullying on Saturday. Source: Getty / monkeybusinessimages

It also calls for visible leadership and early action from the school, so trust does not erode while families wait for updates.

Importantly, it allows schools to tailor how they work. This is especially important in rural and remote areas where staffing, services and community relationships differ.

Are there risks or weak spots?

The review notes how data collection could help research and further responses to bullying. But more work is needed here.

Meanwhile, the digital landscape is moving at a rapid pace. Schools also need more guidance on image-based abuse and deepfakes.

What’s missing?

Restorative justice approaches within schools, if done well, can help young people understand the impact of their actions.

More is needed to spell out what should happen when a matter moves beyond the classroom to school leadership and when it involves external agencies, such as police.

$10 million isn’t much