Safe Schools are Effective Schools

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Cyber Bullying

Cyber bullying policy

The Department has a clear Anti-Bullying Policy through the strategy 'Safe Schools are Effective Schools' which highlights that every student has the right to feel safe from bullying at school.

All forms of bullying, whether it be physical, verbal or cyber are not tolerated at any level in Victorian government schools.

As noted in the Department’s Anti-Bullying Policy, all Victorian government schools must develop and implement a Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct must now be updated to include cyber bullying.

See the Department's anti-bullying Policy & Code of Conduct.

Updating the Student Code of Conduct

As part of the 'Safe Schools are Effective Schools' strategy, and the Department's commitment to providing safe, secure and stimulating learning environments, schools will be required to review their Student Code of Conduct the end of  Term 2 2008, to ensure that it includes anti-bullying and anti-harassment strategies.

Schools must:

  • Look at the  Effective Schools are Engaging Schools Student Engagement Policy Guidelines (PDF - 876Kb), which provides schools with systematic strategies for fostering and maintaining student discipline. In developing and implementing the Student Code of Conduct schools aim to foster high standards of behaviour based on co-operation, mutual responsibility, self-discipline and the promotion of positive, non-discriminatory relationships among students.
  • Look at the Department’s anti-bullying policy which provides guidelines and policies in relation to safe and supportive school environments.
  • Involve students, staff and parents in the development of policy and strategies to prevent and respond to all forms of bullying.
  • Provide a statement which clearly highlights that all forms of bullying, whether it be physical, verbal or cyber are not tolerated at any level.
  • Outline expectations about appropriate behaviour of students including rights and responsibilities.
  • Outline expectations about appropriate behaviour of students in relation to cyber safety including rights and responsibilities.
  • Outline the schools response to incidences of bullying, including cyber bullying.

For more information about the code of conduct, see the publication Safe Schools are Effective Schools (PDF - 616Kb).