Rapid response guidance officers will be deployed to school bullying hotspots around Queensland, under a new Government plan.
State Premier David Crisafulli said $33 million would be invested in five new anti-bullying initiatives, including the establishment of Rapid Support Squads across the State.
Premier Crisafulli said the squads would have the capacity to “fly in” to regional and remote schools and provide on-the-ground expertise in response to a bullying incident.
He said services included family support, mental health assistance and professional development for staff.
“Each of the eight education regions will have a designated squad, made up of three senior guidance officers and support staff.”
Premier Crisafulli said the further four anti-bullying initiatives included:
- A new Anti-Bullying Stakeholder Reference Group to provide critical advice, guide future initiatives and co-design the upcoming Anti-Bullying campaign.
- Funding additional chaplains and student wellbeing staff to place permanent on-the-ground support in hundreds of additional schools.
- Opening a dedicated crisis support hotline to offer free, confidential, and immediate support to concerned parents and carers.
- Developing new and updated professional development resources to upskill teachers, teacher aides and support staff with targeted resources.
He said the new expert advisory group would be chaired by Griffith University Professor Donna Pendergast and consisted of experts in the field including child psychiatrists and academics.
“We’re putting the spotlight on bullying so our schools can be a safe place for every student.
“We’ve lost too many young lives to bullying. This is about turning the tables on bullying and bolstering support for kids, parents and schools.”
Professor Pendergast said meetings would soon be underway.
“We will bring experts together, but we will also be going out to the community to ensure we’re considering lived experiences and remaining agile in our response to tackling bullying.
“We need everyone – schools, educators, parents, carers, and community members – to play their part in stamping out bullying in all forms.”
