National bullying standards in works as PM fulfils Charlotte’s Wish

The federal government has pledged to work on a new national standard for tackling bullying, responding to 12-year-old Charlotte O’Brien’s last wish to change the system that failed her.

Anthony Albanese has fulfilled the dying wish of a Sydney schoolgirl who was driven to suicide, by putting bullying reform on the national agenda.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the federal government has written to state and territory leaders promising to work together on a new national standard for tackling bullying, responding to 12-year-old Charlotte O’Brien’s last wish to change the system that failed her.

The major commitment is in response to The Telegraph’s documentary Charlotte’s Wish, which exposed the crushing pain of four Australian families who lost their children to bullying and suicide.

Charlotte O’Brien (right) with her mum Kelly O’Brien. Pictures: Supplied by her family

Kelly O’Brien hugging a bear stuffed with Charlotte’ ashes. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Mr Albanese said his government was committed to building the next generation of Australia “every single day”.

“My government is taking action online and offline to give young Australians the best start in life,” he said.

“Our legislation to set 16 as the minimum age for accessing social media sits alongside the great work the Education Minister is doing to tackle bullying across the country.”

In a letter to state and territory leaders, Education Minister Jason Clare said the Albanese government would fund a short expert-led review to look at the best ways to tackle the scourge of bullying.

Mr Clare told the leaders that they had already done world-leading work together on the social media ban and the action on bullying would continue that shared legacy.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will set legislation banning under 16-year-olds from accessing social media. Picture: NewsWire

“The investigation will look at what is working and what needs strengthening, before reporting to education ministers with options for the development of a national standard,” Mr Clare said.

“This would inform policies across jurisdictions and sectors to provide children and parents confidence that no matter where their child goes to school, if they’re experiencing bullying, it will be managed in an appropriate way.

“While the Commonwealth government will fund the investigation, I seek your assistance with facilitating consultation with key stakeholders in your jurisdictions, including schools; gathering and providing relevant information.”

Education and Youth Minister Jason Clare has funded an expert-led review to look at the best ways to tackle bullying. Picture: Martin Ollman

Charlotte’s parents were overcome with emotion when hearing of the government’s pledge.

“After we lost our daughter we, like many parents, were shocked to find out that there wasn’t a national standard for all schools to follow in relation to how they manage bullying,” her father Mat O’Brien said.

“There needs to be one set of guidelines, one set of rules irrespective of what school your child attends.

“Every child has a right to feel safe and supported in the school they attend and have confidence that if they raise issues they will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately.”

Mr O’Brien said they would never get their “little girl” back but were confident the reform would protect the next generation.

“We welcome the news coming from the federal government that they will undertake a review and explore a national standard,” he said.

“While we will never get our little girl back I’m confident this will help prevent other families from having to go through what we are going through.”