In recent times, the incidence of bullying and violence in schools, both interstate and in South Australia, has received media, academic, community and government attention, particularly in relation to cyber bullying.

In light of a recent incident and the level of discussion, community concern and debate that has arisen in relation to bullying and violence in schools, the Minister for Education, Hon Jay Weatherill, MP, commissioned Mr Bill Cossey AM, to review aspects of the then Department for Education & Child Development processes and procedures related to bullying and violence in schools.

The Cossey Report Review of procedures and processes in Department for Education & Child Development (DECD) related to bullying and violence in schools makes 14 recommendations which provide for:

• Strengthening procedures where incidents of violence occur, both to ensure parents are involved at an early stage and that there is proper involvement of police.
• Strengthening the role of the existing Coalition to Decrease Bullying, Harassment and Violence in South Australian Schools.
• Raising the profile of bullying policies in schools and greater monitoring of bullying behaviour.

The Government Response to the Report can also be found on this page.