A new national awareness campaign has launched to help Australian families tackle bullying and other harmful behaviours affecting school-aged children.
The Australian Government’s ‘Let’s Stop Bullying’ campaign responds to the 2025 Anti-Bullying Rapid Review, which found that more than one in four students in Years 4 to 9 say they have experienced bullying regularly. The review also highlighted that reports of cyberbullying have risen by 455% in five years, and over half (53%) of young people in Australia say they have experienced cyberbullying.
Free resources for families
A dedicated website, LetsStopBullying.gov.au, is now live with a range of free, expert-developed resources for school-aged children, parents and carers. More resources will be added ahead of the 2027 school year, including materials for the school workforce.
The Department of Education commissioned subject matter experts Dolly’s Dream (Alannah & Madeline Foundation), together with Cool.org and Project Rockit, to develop the anti-bullying resources. The campaign materials were developed in close cooperation with subject matter experts to ensure they are trauma informed and fit for purpose.
What the experts say
Dr Charlotte Keating, clinical psychologist and co-chair of the 2025 Anti-Bullying Rapid Review, said the campaign serves a serious need.
“Bullying today is no longer limited to physical shoving and name-calling in the playground. It can be quieter and less visible, but the harm it causes is very real. It can detrimentally impact a young person’s sense of self-worth and confidence, their mental health and schooling outcomes, with those impacts often lasting well into adulthood.”
Dr Keating added: “We have spoken to thousands of students and families across Australia who have experienced bullying and seen the devastating impact it can have on children. The Let’s Stop Bullying campaign will play a significant role in providing the knowledge and tools to help navigate the changing nature of bullying.”
Professor Jo Robinson AM, Head of Suicide Prevention Research at Orygen and Co-Chair of the 2025 Anti-Bullying Rapid Review, said: “Bullying can have a significant impact on students’ mental health and wellbeing, with those who are bullied being more likely to experience issues including depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. This campaign provides communities with essential tools to recognise the possible signs of bullying and understand the actions they can take to help prevent and address harmful behaviours early.”
Dolly’s Dream founders support the campaign
Kate and Tick Everett, who founded Dolly’s Dream in memory of their daughter Dolly, who took her own life at the age of 14, are also supporting the campaign.
“We experienced firsthand the devastating effects of bullying and cyberbullying. We founded Dolly’s Dream to help ensure no child, parent or carer feels alone, and since 2018 we’ve supported thousands of schools and families across Australia. The ‘Let’s Stop Bullying’ campaign is a welcome step towards changing the culture of bullying in Australian schools, and ensuring families have the support they need.”
For campaign website, including free resources:
Follow KIDDO on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter