Student Behaviour
Support from school
Teachers and school staff understand the changes that students undergo through their school years and can provide them with relevant information and support.
All schools have a student engagement policy in place for the principal, staff, school council and other school community members, which describes their responsibilities and what is expected of them, including how conflicts and disputes at the school should be resolved.
Schools develop strategies to promote care, respect and tolerance. The Department also has guidelines in place to help schools to implement effective whole-school approaches to the prevention and management of bullying.
As well as your child’s school teacher, principal or counsellor, you could also speak to your local doctor, community health centre or local youth centre for help and advice.
Support from home
If you feel that your child is having difficulties it is important to discuss your concerns with them and ask for help when you need it.
Talking and listening to your child at the end of their school day will help you find out what they have done at school and about any difficulties they may be experiencing.
Maintaining an open relationship with your child is important, so keep talking to your child about what’s happening at school.
When talking with your child:
- try not to criticise or lecture
- sometimes your child will try to shock you – try not to overreact but listen and share your ideas
- don’t always assume that you know best – your child may have a valid point and something to teach you
- try to treat them with the same courtesy and respect that you show your friends
- remember that talking face-to-face sometimes doesn’t work during these years – so try to make the most of other times, for example when you’re side-by-side while in the car.
More information
For more information, see: