Campaign launched to combat school bullying

A NEW campaign encouraging kindness among students has been launched as children prepare to return to school in 2025, as bullying concerns rise in Australian schools.

Anti-bullying organisation Dolly’s Dream and retail brand Smiggle are working together to provide resources and support to families, schools, and communities to address online and in-person bullying.

Dolly’s Dream was founded by Kate and Tick Everett in memory of their daughter, Dolly, who died by suicide in 2018 after experiencing bullying.

Ms Everett said the campaign aims to start important conversations with children about empathy and support.

“Parents tell me it’s hard to find the information and support they need. I want every family across the country to know that Dolly’s Dream can help,” Ms Everett said.

“The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to start a conversation with your kids, reminding them to be kind and empathetic, to look after their friends and classmates, helping create a school environment where every child feels safe and supported.”

Clinical psychologist and Dolly’s Dream advisory board member, Dr Charlotte Keating, said the beginning of the school year is an ideal opportunity to engage children in discussions about bullying.

“Given a report released earlier this year found that Australian school students were the most bullied among comparable English-speaking countries with around one in six students saying they have been made fun of by peers, it’s critical to have conversations with children and young people about what bullying is, and the steps they can take to get help,” Dr Keating said.

A study by the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne identified screen time, bullying and cyberbullying, and internet safety as parents’ top concerns for their children’s health.

Dolly’s Dream provides practical resources to empower parents and carers with tools to support their children in engaging safely online and responding to bullying.

Smiggle stores across Australia are selling Choose Kindness Badges and Reusable Bags to raise funds for Dolly’s Dream programs and resources.