Shocking figures reveal kids don’t feel safe at Beaudesert State High

Internal surveys at a Queensland school at the centre of bullying allegations reveal an alarming number of children do not feel safe, as enrolments plummet.

Internal surveys at Beaudesert State High School reveal an alarming number of children do not feel safe, as enrolments have plummeted in recent years amid claims of a toxic culture of bullying.

The annual student surveys show that confidence in the school has dropped dramatically across a range of indicators.

Only 34 per cent of pupils in 2022 agreed with the statement “student behaviour is well managed”, down from 64 per cent in 2017.

Five years ago, 90 per cent said “they feel safe at the school” but currently only 62 per cent do.

Only half of students last year agreed “their school takes students’ opinions seriously” – and even fewer in 2021 at 31 per cent – but back in 2017 almost three-quarters agreed, at 72 per cent.

Enrolments have dropped at Beaudesert State High School since 2017. Picture: Facebook.

Also in 2017, more than 70 per cent of students said teachers treated them fairly and that they could talk to their teachers about their concerns – but both statements recorded a 10 to 15 per cent drop in 2022.

Enrolments declined over the same period, from 1448 to 1329.

Tellingly, so have disciplinary absences – despite more children saying they don’t feel safe at the school.

In 2017, 25 kids were expelled and nine had their enrolment cancelled, against nine and six respectively last year.

Short suspensions decreased from 529 kids to 463, and long suspensions (11-20 days) from 32 to 18.

Meanwhile, a survey of staff reveals 60.6 per cent agree they are “well supported at the school” – down from 70 per cent – and 63.4 per cent agree “this school takes staff opinions seriously” – down slightly from 68 per cent.

Results of the surveys and enrolment figures are contained in annual reports that are published on the school ­website.

It comes as furious families claim a toxic culture of bullying is entrenched at Beaudesert State High School – as The Courier-Mail can reveal two teenagers have suicided in the past 20 months and several are on suicide watch.

Heartbroken relatives say the school and the State Government have failed them in “the most horrific way”.

Dozens of parents contacted The Courier Mail to express concern about toxic bullying after a report about the July 16 suicide of Beaudesert High student Onyx Rose Lambert.

Parents say claims of bullying – including children being bashed to the point of needed corrective surgery and being told to go kill themselves – are not investigated.

Instead, victims are advised to “avoid” the perpetrators and parents are accused of being “over-protective”.