On that particular day, my son came home visibly upset, having endured name-calling and physical aggression on his way back. As a parent, it was clear to me that the time had come to step up and be his advocate.

What followed left me utterly surprised. The school’s reaction was immediate and resolute, yet not in the manner I had anticipated. In a world where bureaucracy often delays action, the speed and decisiveness of their response were unexpected.

Nama Winston recounts her experience with astonishment, reflecting on how the school addressed the bullying situation involving her son. The rapidity and determination with which they tackled the issue stood out, challenging her initial expectations. It was a moment that highlighted the importance of advocacy and the power of a community coming together to support its members.

But at this point, I knew I had to advocate for my son.

An immediate plan

To my utter shock, his fury was strong and his reaction swift — but not in the way I expected.

Nama Winston says she was astounded by her school’s swift response to her son’s bullying. Source: Supplied

Winston’s safety was his priority and he immediately implemented a plan, which he explained at a morning staff meeting.

Having heard and seen so much about bullying as a parenting editor, the school’s response blew me away.

But too many other Australian parents tell me they’ve been scared to do the same.

Smashing a taboo

Recently, when I spoke about my son’s bullying experience on the Insight episode Modern Parenting, two parents approached me afterwards to say it was a relief to hear others had gone through the same struggle of being unsure of what to do.

Nama (left) says her son Winston’s (right) experience of bullying made her realise the topic remained taboo among parents. Source: Supplied

So why is talking about the bullying of their child so difficult for so many parents? Why the silence?

“They are ashamed about being bullied. They think they’re a loser.”

But suffering in silence means the taboo continues.