Still talking about bullying? Here’s some help

Practical support, two Australian reads and a little Diwali inspiration.

Author

Christie Kijurina
November 02, 2026

Hello teachers!

One of the loveliest things about teaching is finding something that gets a class talking. A character whose experience suddenly makes sense to them. A piece of history that sounds impossible. A family tradition they’re excited to share.

There’s room for all three this week, with books and resources to help address bullying, a Shortcut exploring the story behind the Great Emu War, and some wonderful Diwali activities from SBS Learn.

Plus, we’re finishing with a Squiz Kids Salute to an exceptionally generous traveller and a nudge for those of us who’ve been meaning to book a blood donation.

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We’re still talking about bullying. What actually helps?

It seems like we’ve been talking about bullying forever, and still it’s happening…

You’ve had the conversations, taught the lessons and helped children navigate some very difficult days. It’s understandable to wonder: am I making a difference?

This Thursday, 5 November, is the International Day against Violence and Bullying at School, including Cyberbullying. We know this remains a significant problem. In an Australian eSafety survey conducted in late 2024 and early 2025, around one in three children aged 10–12 reported experiencing cyberbullying in the previous year.

Bullying is deliberate, repeated harmful behaviour involving an imbalance of power. It can be physical, verbal or social, and happen in person or online. A disagreement between equals may not be bullying, but hurtful behaviour still deserves our attention.

The encouraging news is that there is evidence that school-based programs help. A review of 100 studies found they reduced the experience of being bullied by around 15–16% on average. Results varied, but that’s a reason to keep going.

Be You’s whole-school guidance explains how shared expectations, staff support, family involvement and consistent follow-up can help. For resources to use with children, Bullying No Way is a useful starting point.

A book can also open a conversation that might otherwise feel difficult. Two excellent Australian choices are:

📚 Bully on the Bus — Kathryn Apel (suggested Years 2–4)
Told in verse, Leroy’s story explores the fear of being bullied on the bus and his journey towards finding help and courage.

📚 I Am Jack — Susanne Gervay (suggested Years 3–6)
Jack’s experience of school bullying shows how isolating it can feel, and why support from the people around him matters.

Try moving from “How might this character feel?” to “What could someone do to help?” Checking on someone, including them or accompanying them to a trusted adult makes empathy practical.

You don’t need every answer yourself. This is shared work, and there are tools (and people) to help, and you can make a difference.

Tuesday’s Shortcut - The Great Emu War

The war the emus didn’t know they were fighting.

Today marks 94 years since the Great Emu War began, and this Tuesday, our Squiz Kids Shortcut goes behind the funny name.

You may have heard that Australia once “lost a war” to emus. But how did three soldiers, two machine guns and thousands of hungry birds end up in the same wheat fields? And what gets left out when history is reduced to a punchline?

Join us as we explore struggling farming families, some remarkably speedy birds and a landscape both depended on.

There’s even newsreel footage from the time to bring this extraordinary chapter of Australian history into your classroom.

Listen out this Tuesday, then ask your class: “How might a farmer and an emu tell this story differently?”

Light up your classroom with Diwali

Diwali is a time of light, family and celebration, with different stories and customs across the communities who observe it. Learning about those traditions gives children a chance to recognise familiar experiences like: special food, gathering together, preparing the house, and discover something new.

  • Lessons and worksheets for Years 3–6, aligned to the Australian Curriculum.

  • Kolam and rangoli videos, exploring beautiful decorative patterns.

  • Diya craft and colouring activities for primary students.

  • Classroom posters in 12 languages, with multilingual video options too.

And because learning about celebrations can leave you feeling peckish, here’s something for the weekend (or the staff room): Anchal Verma’s mango ladoos. This fruity take on the classic sweet uses mango, coconut, condensed milk and ghee, with about 20 minutes of preparation and cooking, plus cooling time.

Mango ladoo

This recipe is a modern take on the classic ladoo, made from fresh mango puree and sweetened with condensed milk. They’re so easy to make and particularly delicious when mangoes are in season during the summer months of Diwali in Australia.

Fun Finish - Squiz Kids Salutes: sleeves up for Trevor! ❤️

Eighty-five donation centres. One very determined blood donor.

Melbourne police officer Trevor Bergman has donated at every Lifeblood donation centre in Australia, combining his love of travel with helping others. His final stop was Canberra, where he donated plasma, and Governor-General Sam Mostyn even rolled up her sleeve alongside him.

Photo by Trevor Bergman

If donating has been on your “must get around to that” list, here’s a gentle nudge. Visit Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to check whether you can donate, locate a centre and book. There’s bound to be one near you.

What’s on this week?

Here’s what’s happening around the country and the world:

Monday

  • The first crew moved into the International Space Station (2000)

Tuesday

  • Melbourne Cup Day

  • Culture Day in Japan

  • World Jellyfish Day

  • National Sandwich Day US

Wednesday

  • The inaugural National Songbook- announcing the first 10 songs

  • US midterm elections

  • Howard Carter found the first step leading down to Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings (1922)

  • Roast Dinner Day UK

Thursday

Friday

  • First Day of Diwali (5 Days)

  • Frog ID Week starts

  • Saxophone Day

  • Australians voted in a referendum on becoming a republic, and it didn’t pass. (1999)

Saturday

  • NZ Election

  • Rugby League World Cup semi-finals, round 1

  • The first Melbourne Cup was run, 165 years ago (1861)

  • World Numbat Day

  • Hug a Bear Day

Sunday

  • Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

  • Kangaroos and Jillaroos both in a home semi-final (RLWC)

  • Punkin Chunkin -  Lake County, California.