School contact guide
How to report bullying to an Australian school
A factual written report gives the school a clear starting point and creates a record of what was raised. Your first goal is safety and a workable response - not proving every detail in the first email.
Reviewed against official Australian sources - 14 August 2026
What matters most
- Describe exact behaviour, dates, locations, frequency and impact.
- Ask for immediate protective steps, a named contact and a review date.
- Attach evidence separately and avoid naming other children in the subject line.
- Escalate one clear level at a time if the response is delayed or ineffective.
Before you write
- Ask your child what they want adults to know and what they fear may happen next.
- Record incidents in date order and preserve screenshots, URLs and usernames.
- Check the school's bullying, behaviour, complaints and online-safety policies.
- Identify any urgent risk requiring action before the normal school process.
What to ask the school for
- Confirmation that the report was received.
- An immediate physical and psychological safety assessment.
- Protective steps for class, breaks, transport, activities and online contact.
- One staff contact for the student and family.
- The policy and process the school will use.
- A date for the next update and safety-plan review.
Privacy does not prevent a safety explanation
The school may be unable to give you another student's personal information or disciplinary outcome. It can still explain its process, the protections for your child, the support being offered and how it will check whether the plan is working.
If the response is not working
Reply to the existing email thread with new facts and explain which safety concern remains. Request review by the principal or relevant leader, then use the school's formal complaints pathway and the responsible education authority if necessary. Keep communication calm, written and focused on safety outcomes.
Take the next safe step
Use the tools, not just the information.
The main guide includes private questionnaires, an incident log, state pathways and complete copyable emails.
Official references
Sources used for this guide
- Bullying No Way - reporting bullying to the school
- Bullying No Way - receiving a school bullying report
- Australian Government anti-bullying implementation
General educational information only - not legal, medical or counselling advice. Requirements and available pathways can differ by school sector, state or territory and the facts of the situation.