BETTER BUDDIES Creating friendly and caring primary school communities where bullying is reduced. Bullying is a serious issue in Australia, with around one student in every five bullied. Experiencing bullying can have a devastating effect on a child and can impact self-esteem, behaviour, and the ability to concentrate and perform at school. Children who portray bullying behaviours are more likely to commit anti-social behaviour and criminal acts. Better Buddies, an initiative of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, pairs students entering their first year of primary school with an older buddy to help them feel safe, valued and connected to their new school community, while older students feel valued and respected. When students have the skills and understanding of how to engage in positive, respectful and inclusive relationships, then negative and violent behaviour – such as bullying – can be reduced. The Better Buddies Framework introduces or enhances buddy systems in primary schools and encourages other cross-age relationships throughout the school community. It also encourages everyone to incorporate the Better Buddies values of caring, friendliness, respect, valuing difference, including others and responsibility. The evidence-based Framework complements existing school welfare programs, is easy to implement and links to national curriculum initiatives. An independent, national survey on Better Buddies found children, teachers and school communities benefit immensely from the Framework. • 95% of principals said Better Buddies has helped create a friendly and caring school community • 97% of teachers said Better Buddies has assisted students in their transition to school Schools can apply for a sponsored position or purchase the Better Buddies Framework. For more information, visit betterbuddies.org.au or call 1300 720 747. HOW WE HELP We care for children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence; reduce the incidence of bullying, cyber bullying and other cyber risks; and we advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children. Our programs are in one third of Australian schools and more than 75% of Australian public libraries. We also support 10,000 children in refuges or foster homes across the country every year. Our vision is that every child will live in a safe and supportive environment. OUR HISTORY The Alannah & Madeline Foundation was set up in memory of Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged six and three, who were tragically killed with their mother and 32 others at Port Arthur, Tasmania on 28 April 1996. OUR BELIEFS We believe that no child should feel unsafe or be threatened with violence. We believe that confident, secure, resilient and inspired young people are our hope for the future. We have made a great difference in our first 20 years and have assisted more than 2 million children. But we can - and we will - do more. OUR PROMISE Our promise is to create a safer world for children - both on and offline. Level 1, 256 Clarendon Street PO Box 5192 South Melbourne VIC 3205 t 03 9697 0666 | ABN 96 514 115 810 | amf.org.au
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BETTER BUDDIES
Creating friendly and caring primary school communities where bullying is reduced.
Bullying is a serious issue in Australia, with around one student in every five bullied. Experiencing bullying can have a devastating effect on a child and can impact self-esteem, behaviour, and the ability to concentrate and perform at school. Children who portray bullying behaviours are more likely to commit anti-social behaviour and criminal acts.
Better Buddies, an initiative of the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, pairs students entering their first year of primary school with an older buddy to help them feel safe, valued and connected to their new school community, while older students feel valued and respected.
When students have the skills and understanding of how to engage in positive, respectful and inclusive relationships, then negative and violent behaviour – such as bullying – can be reduced.
The Better Buddies Framework introduces or enhances buddy systems in primary schools and encourages other cross-age relationships throughout the school community. It also encourages everyone to incorporate the Better Buddies values of caring, friendliness, respect, valuing difference, including others and responsibility. The evidence-based Framework complements existing school welfare programs, is easy to implement and links to national curriculum initiatives.
An independent, national survey on Better Buddies found children, teachers and school communities benefit immensely from the Framework.
• 95% of principals said Better Buddies has helped create a friendly and caring school community
• 97% of teachers said Better Buddies has assisted students in their transition to school
Schools can apply for a sponsored position or purchase the Better Buddies Framework.
For more information, visit betterbuddies.org.au or call 1300 720 747.
HOW WE HELP We care for children who have experienced or witnessed serious violence; reduce the incidence of bullying, cyber bullying and other cyber risks; and we advocate for the safety and wellbeing of children.
Our programs are in one third of Australian schools and more than 75% of Australian public libraries. We also support 10,000 children in refuges or foster homes across the country every year.
Our vision is that every child will live in a safe and supportive environment.
OUR HISTORY The Alannah & Madeline Foundation was set up in memory of Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged six and three, who were tragically killed with their mother and 32 others at Port Arthur, Tasmania on 28 April 1996.
OUR BELIEFS We believe that no child should feel unsafe or be threatened with violence.
We believe that confident, secure, resilient and inspired young people are our hope for the future.
We have made a great difference in our first 20 years and have assisted more than 2 million children.
But we can - and we will - do more.
OUR PROMISE Our promise is to create a safer world for children - both on and offline.
Level 1, 256 Clarendon Street PO Box 5192 South Melbourne VIC 3205
t 03 9697 0666 | ABN 96 514 115 810 | amf.org.au
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