Only 22% of Aussie parents feel ready for child bullying, survey reveals
Triple P International
- New survey from Triple P – Positive Parenting Program reveals a significant confidence gap among parents, with only 22% feeling very prepared to support their child through bullying, despite one in four Australian school-aged children experiencing bullying.
- Carol Markie-Dadds, Triple P International Country Director, said that schools, families and communities all have a role to play in creating cultures of kindness, respect and belonging, noting that small acts can make the biggest difference.
- Parents are encouraged to watch for warning signs that a child may be experiencing bullying, including heightened distress, avoiding school, withdrawing from friends, mood changes, or increased anxiety after time spent online.
- Triple P recommends five key actions for parents: creating a judgement-free zone for open conversations, exploring challenges together, encouraging empathy and inclusion, staying engaged in their child's world, and making time for regular connection through everyday moments.
- Free, online parenting support is available 24/7 at triplep-parenting.net.au, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, with additional support also available through school counsellors, GPs, psychologists, the eSafety Commissioner, and Kids Helpline.
New research has revealed a confidence gap among parents, with under a quarter (22%) saying they feel very prepared to support their child through bullying, according to survey data from Triple P – Positive Parenting Program released in time for Bullying No Way Week (17–21 August).
Triple P International Country Director Carol Markie-Dadds said the findings were particularly concerning given one in four Australian school-aged children experiences bullying, highlighting the importance of ensuring parents and carers feel equipped to respond and support their child effectively.
"One of the hardest things for parents and carers is learning that their child may be struggling, whether it's related to difficulties at school, within friendships or online, and then wondering whether they're saying or doing the right thing,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.
"Schools, families and communities all have a role to play in creating cultures of kindness, respect and belonging. When parents and carers are given the confidence and support to help their children navigate life’s challenges, we not only strengthen individual wellbeing but help create safer and more inclusive environments for all children," she said.
"Recent, highly publicised bullying incidents have reinforced how important it is for families to help children feel safe, connected and supported to seek help,” Ms Markie-Dadds said.
"Parents can sometimes feel like they need to have all the answers when bullying arises, but as this year's theme, Small Acts, Big Impact, reminds us, it's often the small things that make the biggest difference.”
"That can start with simply noticing when something has changed in a child’s behaviour, mood or routines – something parents and carers are often the first to see,” she said.
"Signs can include heightened distress, reluctance to attend school, withdrawing from friends, changes in mood or increased anxiety after spending time online,” Ms Markie-Dadds said. “While these signs can have a range of causes, they can be a useful prompt to check in, start a conversation and explore what support may be needed.”
“Listening without judgement, checking in regularly and helping a child feel understood can go a long way, while also teaching important skills such as kindness, inclusion and speaking up when something isn't right.”
"Over time, those skills can help create safer, more respectful and inclusive environments where children feel supported and able to thrive,” she said.
Triple P's five small ways parents can have a big impact against bullying
- Create a judgment-free zone for honest and open conversation so children feel validated and safe sharing what's happening. For example: "That sounds really tough, I’m glad you told me about it."
- Explore challenges together rather than rushing to solve the problem by asking open-ended questions like: "What do you think might help?"
- Encourage empathy, kindness and inclusion by talking about feelings, relationships and respectful behaviour. This could sound like: "How do you think they might have felt?" or "What could we do to help someone feel included?"
- Stay engaged in your child's world, including their friendships, school experiences and online activities. For example, try asking: "What's been the best part of your day?" or "How are things going with your friends?"
- Make time for regular connection through everyday moments such as car trips, walks or shared meals. When children feel connected, conversations often happen more naturally.
"Parents and carers play an important role in helping children develop positive social behaviours and the relationship skills needed to navigate challenges and get along with others," Ms Markie-Dadds said.
"When adults model respect, kindness and inclusion, they're helping shape how children interact with others."
"Bullying is never okay, and its effects can have a lasting impact on a child's wellbeing. No child or family should feel they have to navigate these experiences alone," Ms Markie-Dadds said.
For families concerned about bullying, support is available through school staff and counsellors, GPs, psychologists, eSafety Commissioner, Kids Helpline, and evidence-based parenting programs like Triple P.
Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program to parents and carers of children in Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under the Parenting Education and Support Program. Parents and carers can access free, online parenting support 24/7 at triplep-parenting.net.au
About us:
About Triple P International:
- A Certified B Corporation™ headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, Triple P International (TPI) is a social enterprise creating global positive social change by disseminating the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program® and putting evidence-based parenting in the hands of every parent.
- Triple P is ranked by the United Nations as the world’s most extensively researched parenting program and is backed by four decades of ongoing research.
- Triple P has helped millions of children and their families and has been translated into 23 languages other than English.
- Worldwide, more than 114,580 practitioners from over 80 countries have participated in Triple P training.
- The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program was created by Professor Matt Sanders and colleagues from The University of Queensland’s Parenting and Family Support Centre.
Contact details:
For media enquiries, please contact: Triple P Global Public Relations Manager – Cate Kennedy at 0477 286 557, [email protected]
