When parents and caregivers understand the interconnection between bullying dynamics and school culture, the impact on their own children becomes clearer. Students are exposed to many values and attitudes as part of daily life at school and this can influence how they mature and develop. Young people may absorb and adopt the values, power dynamics and attitudes they observe and experience at school and within their peer group.
Students constantly interact with a range of peers on a daily basis at school. Some of those peers may engage in or be targets of bullying behaviour. Students who witness bullying and inequity also experience a negative impact. Whether they are silent or active supporters, or passive or active allies, being a witness to cruelty and abuse can be damaging and upsetting for young people in the short and the longer term.
School community safety and inclusion, just like safety and inclusion within the larger community, are in the best interest of all community members.