2024 Bullying No Way: National week of action toolkit

Belonging means we all have a role in preventing bullying. When we all feel like we belong, bullying struggles to find a place.

School staff play an important role in supporting students’ sense of belonging. Prioritising high-quality and respectful teacher-student relationships leads to the creation of supportive and caring classrooms – where everyone is respected and treated fairly. When teachers create a positive learning environment, it helps students feel like they belong and reduces the occurrence of negative behaviours such as bullying.

As teachers a key element of our professional practice is to create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments for all students. Students who experience a caring, safe and nurturing school environment, where they feel they belong, have a strong foundation to achieve their academic and social emotional potential.

Podcast

Belonging at school - benefits and linkages to prevent bullying

'Teachers have the most powerful influence in students feeling a sense of belonging.'

Created for this year's Bullying No Way Week, Dr Kelly-Ann Allen from Monash University, explains in this 30 min podcast about belonging at school – its benefits and linkages to preventing bullying, as well as some ideas about what teachers and schools can do.

Panel discussion

Fostering inclusive schools to prevent bullying

An engaging 26-minute recording where panel members delve into the vital role of belonging in preventing bullying in schools. Among the expert panellists, Kyanna, representing the National Student Voice Council, offers valuable insights, sharing the student perspective on what it truly means to belong.

Ways teachers can support students to feel they belong

Fostering relationships between students
Employing teaching practices that encourage students to participate in the classwork
Providing dedicated opportunities for pastoral support
Supporting positive child-family relationships
Providing activities where students have ownership of their learning
Interacting positively with all students
Engaging with families
Getting to know your students

More information

Unpack what school belonging means and discover evidence-based practical actions you can do in your school to create a positive sense of belonging.

Australian Education Research Organisation practice guides outline best-practice approaches for improving a sense of belonging and connectedness in children aged birth to 5 years, in primary school and secondary school.
The Student Wellbeing Hub discusses the importance of school connectedness in order to be engaged and achieving.
The Autism Teen Wellbeing website can help schools create a sense of belonging for young people with Autism, which can also be applied to other students.
Learn how to create a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal children, from the Student Wellbeing Hub.
Be You presents the Unlock the Power of Belonging webinar where Dr Kelly-Ann Allen from Monash University shares the systemic barriers and enablers of belonging in learning communities, including cultural considerations and technology.