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How NESA is supporting implementation
In 2026, NESA published a suite of resources and tools to help schools align their anti-bullying policies and procedures with the NSW Anti-Bullying Framework (the Framework).
What will schools need to demonstrate in 2027?
From 2027, NSW schools are expected to have policies and procedures in place and be implementing them in accordance with the Framework. NESA will assess schools’ compliance with the Framework through its existing inspection programs and regulatory processes.
Policy
Schools will need to demonstrate an anti-bullying policy that:
- addresses each of the Framework’s 4 components:
- preventing
- responding
- partnering
- implementing
- describes whole-school and tiered approaches that provide for prevention, early intervention and responses appropriate to student needs.
Procedures
Schools will need to demonstrate anti-bullying procedures that include step-by-step detail, including roles and responsibilities, for the responding component.
The procedures may stand alone or be included in broader procedures addressing aspects of the other 3 components of the Framework.
The procedures for responding describe how the school:
- triages incidents, typically within 2 school days (assessing impact, supporting immediate safety and care, considering escalation pathways)
- gathers and assesses relevant information
- decides and implements a timely, coordinated and proportionate response
- follows up with students involved, monitors safety and recurrence and adjusts its response where needed.
Records of implementation
Schools will need to demonstrate how their policies and procedures are being implemented. Relevant evidence may include existing plans or records relating to the following Framework components.
Preventing
Examples of implementation include:
- social-emotional skills learning such as relevant PDHPE syllabus implementation
- early intervention for vulnerable students such as quiet areas or special interest clubs.
Responding
Examples of implementation include:
- communication with students and families
- assessment and decision-making (including initial triage, typically within 2 school days)
- individual support such as behaviour, risk management or safety planning
- follow-up and monitoring.
Implementing
Examples of implementation include:
- staff professional learning contextualised to the whole-school approach to anti-bullying and the school’s responding procedures
- evaluation of the school’s approach and its implementation.
Partnering
Examples of implementation include:
- engagement with parents and carers
- student voice and participation mechanisms such as student wellbeing surveys.
How NESA will assess compliance
NESA’s regulatory approach in the first year will be educative, risk-based and proportionate, with a focus on working with schools to understand and meet the Framework’s requirements.
However, NESA will act where there is serious concern about a school's compliance and the welfare and wellbeing of students.
Regulatory focus in 2027
This summary shows how NESA will consider each component of the Framework through school policies, procedures and evidence of implementation.
Preventing
Addressed in policy?
Yes.
Procedural detail
School-based decision. This may be incorporated within:
- anti-bullying policy/procedures or
- broader wellbeing or behaviour management framework(s).
Implementation records or planning
Examples include:
- explicit social-emotional skills curriculum
- early intervention actions for vulnerable students (e.g. quiet areas, special interest clubs etc).
Responding
Addressed in policy?
Yes.
Procedural detail
Anti-bullying procedures include:
- initial triage, typically within 2 school days
- school-based inquiry
- planning and implementing the response
- monitoring and reviewing.
Implementation records or planning
Examples include:
- communication
- decision-making (including initial triage, typically within 2 school days)
- individual plans
- monitoring.
Partnering
Addressed in policy?
Yes.
Procedural detail
School-based decision. This may be incorporated within:
- anti-bullying policy/procedures or
- a broader wellbeing or behaviour management framework(s).
Implementation records or planning
Examples include:
- parent engagement
- student voice.
Implementing
Addressed in policy?
Yes.
Procedural detail
School-based decision. This may be incorporated within:
- anti-bullying policy/procedures or
- a broader wellbeing or behaviour management framework(s).
Implementation records or planning
Examples include:
- staff professional learning
- evaluation.