Caloundra has hosted the latest anti-bullying roundtable as Queensland’s $33 million program brings community leaders together to find solutions.
Sunshine Coast community leaders, educators, students and key stakeholders participated in the roundtable earlier this month, and discussed local ideas and solutions for bullying prevention in primary and high schools.
The forums have been championed by Chair of the Queensland Anti-Bullying Expert Advisory Panel, Professor Donna Pendergast AM, whose expertise is helping guide strong and practical responses.
This comes after behaviour incidents and bullying in Queensland classrooms soared and teacher occupational violence skyrocketed more than 200 per cent from 2022 to 2024.
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Caloundra Roundtable was another important milestone in the state government’s plan to address bullying in schools and communities.
“Bullying is a complex issue that requires a united response from schools, families and the broader community,” Minister Langbroek said.
“[The] Anti-Bullying Roundtable at Caloundra is an opportunity for community members and young people to share their experiences and come up with practical ideas that meet local needs.”
Minister Langbroek said the state government has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying in schools.
“All students, principals, teachers, teacher aides and administration staff deserve a safe and respectful classrooms,” he said.
“Our anti-bullying initiatives are already making a difference, including Rapid Support Teams for a fast, coordinated response to bullying and additional funding for chaplains and student wellbeing officers.
“We are also delivering critical support for parents and families by funding expanded access to the Parentline dedicated crisis support hotline.”
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Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher said the roundtable was an important opportunity for Sunshine Coast state schools and community leaders to gather and discuss local solutions to reduce bullying in our schools.
“We all have a role to play, and we will build on our collective efforts to create safer and more supportive classrooms,” Ms Hatcher said.
The next Anti-Bullying Roundtables will be held in Townsville and Toowoomba after successful forums were held in Cairns and Rockhampton.
