National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence History

The National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence (NDA) serves to combat bullying, violence, and promote safe, inclusive environments. The observance encourages schools, students, teachers, parents, and communities to collaborate and lead the change for a bullying-free environment. Key aspects of the NDA focus on raising awareness about the harmful impacts of bullying, fostering understanding, and sharing practical solutions to prevent and address bullying and violence.

Launched in 2011 by the Australian Government, the NDA aims to encourage a nation-wide commitment against bullying and violence of any form, including cyberbullying. With an all-Australia approach, the observance adopts various programs and support resources that cater to specific groups, such as the Safe and Supportive School Communities (SSSC) framework for supporting students, the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework to guide school policies, and eSmart Schools for promoting smart, safe, and responsible online behavior.

National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence in Australia is observed primarily through participating schools hosting events and activities that stimulate discussions surrounding bullying and promote messages of solidarity, respect, and inclusivity. Various creative initiatives like art installations, mural projects, student-led assemblies, panel discussions, and anti-bullying campaigns take place across educational institutions. The NDA takes place annually on the third Friday of March.

Top facts about National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

• In 2023, National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence will be celebrated on the third Friday in August which was Friday 18 August.
  
• The theme for National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence in 2022 was Kindness Culture.
• In Australia, frequent school bullying was highest among Year 5 (32%) and Year 8 (29%) students.
• 84% of students who were bullied online were also bullied offline.
• Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke - Benjamin Disraeli, former British Prime Minister

In the News and Trending for National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

Top things to do for National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

• Learn more about the various types of bullying and their prominence today. No longer is bullying verbal and physical. One of the most common forms of bullying today is cyber-bullying. Get he knowledge and facts on the official Australian Bullying No Way site.
• Raise awareness for the day on social media using hashtags #againstbullyingandviolence #nobullies and #antibullying.
• Learn about some of the common signs and symptoms of bullying victims in order to be able to get them help faster. According to the Australian Government, some signs could include:
  1) being excluded from groups at school
  2) school grades suffering
  3) appearing insecure and frightened
  4) unexplained bruises or scratches
• Watch a movie that touches on bullying. Some of our suggestions: Elephant (2003), Mean Girls (2004),Odd Girl Out (2005),Bully (2011), and A Girl Like Her (2015).
• Volunteer at your local youth centre or school to help work with bullied children. Many youth centres rely on volunteers to help these children voice their problems and find suitable solutions.