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Unpack Bullying 

What is bullying?

Bullying is: unwanted, ongoing, negative behaviour that’s directed at a person or group, with the intention to hurt or harm; verbally, physically, psychologically and electronically.

Bullying is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.

Download our new infographic that further defines what bullying is, what it’s not, where it can happen and what it can look like.

DOWNLOAD INFOGRAPHIC

Bullying is NEVER ok.

It’s hurtful and can impact someone for a long time. If you’re being bullied, or know someone that is, speak up, tell someone, because bullying is NEVER OK.  Get in touch, we’re here to help.

The effects of bullying can be far reaching and include: increased anxiety & stress; low self-esteem, increased risk for developing mental health problems, impact on academic or work achievements, change in sleep & eating, and feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

Where does bullying happen?

Bullying can happen anywhere. 

It’s most common in schools.

Around 27% of students in Years 4-9 report being bullied every few weeks or more1. Among Year 5 students, 32% report frequent bullying and it’s 29% for Year 8 students1.

1 2022, Queensland Government

 

It’s very common online. 

Cyberbullying – as it’s known – affects one in five young students.  Young people aged 10-15 are most frequently involved in online bullying, and this can lead to face-to-face bullying for 84% of students2.

2 2024, Bullying No Way

 

It also happens in the workplace.

It’s not just young people that experience bullying. 9% of employees in Australia reported bullying in the workplace3. This impacts productivity, absenteeism and turnover and can lead to lawsuits.

3 2021, Safe Work Australia

 

Where does bullying happen?

Bullying can happen anywhere. 

It’s most common in schools.

Around 27% of students in Years 4-9 report being bullied every few weeks or more1. Among Year 5 students, 32% report frequent bullying and it’s 29% for Year 8 students1.

1 2022, Queensland Government

 

It’s very common online. 

Cyberbullying – as it’s known – affects one in five young students.  Young people aged 10-15 are most frequently involved in online bullying, and this can lead to face-to-face bullying for 84% of students2.

2 2024, Bullying No Way

 

It also happens in the workplace.

It’s not just young people that experience bullying. 9% of employees in Australia reported bullying in the workplace3. This impacts productivity, absenteeism and turnover and can lead to lawsuits.

3 2021, Safe Work Australia

 

We’ll have infographics on these three distinct and different types of bullying soon.

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Bully Zero research

In July 2022 we collaborated with Standing Strong Clubs to conduct a nationwide survey about bullying amongst seven to seventeen year olds.  

The study reveals some alarming statistics. 72% of young people had been bullied before, the most common being verbal bullying. Less than half said they’d tell a parent, which is not surprising given 54% said they felt parents didn’t know what to do. 3 in 4 were not satisfied with the bullying policies at their school.

To read the full report download below

DOWNLOAD RESEARCH

© Bully Zero Australia Foundation, November 2024

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