Steps to tackle bullying: a roadmap for schools

A roadmap to preventing bullying

To prevent bullying, it is important for schools to use processes and tools that help develop and implement a whole-school approach incorporating the nine elements of the Bullying-Free NZ Framework. Various self-review planning models are available. Schools should incorporate bullying prevention into their current whole-school approach, to student behaviour management already in place, or use a model that suits their individual needs. Each school should develop and agree to a self-review process as part of the planning and preparation phase.

For information and guidance about planning models and the self-review cyclical model that the Bullying-Free website is based on, go here.

Step 1: Prepare and plan

The first step is to plan and set up infrastructure to support implementation of a bullying prevention plan, incorporating the nine core elements of bullying prevention. It starts with a strong commitment from school leaders, with a team led by a senior leader set up to work on the plan. The team can then establish their self-review and planning processes including how to work with students and staff, communicate and consult with the community, and check existing policies and processes.

Read more about Step 1: Prepare and plan

Step 2: Gather evidence

This is the crucial step of gathering data from a range of sources and people to get a full picture of bullying behaviour at your school — identify the level and types of bullying, what's working well and areas for improvement. This includes surveying students and staff, consulting parents, and knowing what are safe and unsafe places for students both at school and in the wider school environment.

Read more about Step 2: Gathering evidence

Step 3: Plan action

The next step is to plan priorities using the results of the data—include the nine elements of the Bullying-Free NZ School Framework. Consult with staff, students, parents and whanāu before finalising the action plan.

Read more about Step 3: Plan action

Step 4: Take action

The next step is to implement the action plan. Include steps to enable student voice and agency, build capability (professional learning and development), work with parents and whanāu, and implement teaching and learning activities.

Read more on Step 4: Take action

Step 5: Review and sustain

The final step is to set up processes to regularly check and review actions and outcomes. Use data to monitor the impacts of your actions, determine what is working well and whether any changes are required.

Read more about Step 5: Review and sustain