MissingSchool CEO, Megan Gilmour, says up to 1.2 million students are at risk of experiencing increased bullying on top of the complications caused by their conditions. 

MissingSchool is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness of the educational and social needs of the 1.2 million Australian children with a health condition that affects their school attendance.

“Nearly half of kids with rare diseases, cancer or chronic pain experience bullying, and any child with a chronic condition faces five times higher odds of being teased about their illness,” Gilmour says. 

“We have heard heartbreaking stories of students who – while dealing with serious and debilitating conditions – have also had to change schools because bullying was not addressed.

“We see this increased risk regardless of the underlying condition, and it’s completely unacceptable.” 

Gilmour says bullying and social exclusion often trigger a long cycle of health and psychological challenges, which can in turn lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression, health difficulties and school absences. 

“Children who are bullied and have chronic conditions also generally reported lower school satisfaction and perceived teacher support,” she says.  

MissingSchool parent and teacher surveys of children with chronic conditions have revealed: 

  • Almost two-thirds of parents reported their child had no individual education plan for their chronic illness (61 per cent) 
  • 1 in 4 parents reported their child currently received no educational support despite their condition
  • Half of parents said their child had reduced social support from lower attendance (50 per cent) 
  • More than 70 per cent of those surveyed reported their child with chronic illness had friendships disrupted (71 per cent)
  • More than half of children experienced academic underachievement (55 per cent).

Gilmour says greater connection with the classroom is needed without further delay to counteract the devastating effects of exclusion and bullying. 

“Evidence from MissingSchool’s telepresence initiative shows that when students with chronic conditions stay connected, the top three outcomes are improved friendships and social relationships, improved classroom connection and participation, and better wellbeing,” she says.  

The fact that kids with chronic conditions are often invisible due to their absences, and often overlooked for specialised support at school, Gilmour explains, means they are likely to be overlooked in the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review.

“We urge the Federal Government to formally recognise students with chronic conditions as a priority equity cohort – count them in attendance data, address them in national and school-level anti-bullying strategies, and safeguard learning and belonging through targeted supports like telepresence.” 

The opening of the Anti-Bullying Rapid Review coincides with the World Health Assembly’s adoption of a first landmark resolution to recognise social connection as an urgent public health priority. 

Since 2012, MissingSchool has reconnected more than 7200 classmates, provided specialised training to 700 teachers, and helped parents, carers, peers and siblings better support students who are regularly absent from school. For more, click here.