STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms CLUTTERHAM (Sturt) (13:52): This week is Bullying No Way Week, which is a national week of action that unites government, Catholic and independent schools, and their communities, across the country. This year's theme is 'Small Acts, Big Impact'. Calling out and stopping bullying, whether it be physical, verbal or online, is everyone's responsibility, and small acts can make a real difference—small acts of kindness that remind kids that they're not alone, that someone cares, that someone has noticed, and that someone has seen and heard what is happening and wants to help.

Actions like this could change a young person's life. Speaking up, showing kindness, including someone or asking if someone is doing okay are small acts that can create meaningful change. We know that bullying can have devastating consequences.

The effects can be lifelong, damaging confidence forever and leading to irreversible and tragic outcomes. This is not acceptable. The challenge with bullying is that it is sometimes hard to spot, but teachers, parents, sports coaches, volunteers and students who look for it can work together to create an environment where everyone belongs, diversity and difference is celebrated, and bullying is simply not accepted.

So let's keep acting to create a shared understanding of bullying behaviours and encourage small acts that have a big impact.