City · Queensland
Brisbane
Brisbane faces a documented bullying crisis, high cyberbullying rates, and rapidly growing mental health demand as the city prepares for the 2032 Olympics and associated pressure on communities.
2.7 million
Estimated population
~1,200 schools
Approximate schools
46,000+
bullying incidents across QLD schools in 2023
38%
of young Queenslanders experienced cyberbullying
↑ 35%
headspace Brisbane presentations since 2021
Priority Wellbeing Issues
Bullying in Schools
Critical46,000+ QLD incidents
The Queensland Auditor-General recorded over 46,000 bullying incidents in state schools in 2023. Brisbane schools account for the majority. Incident counts alone understate the scale — most bullying goes unreported.
Cyberbullying
Critical38% in past 12 months
Over a third of Brisbane teens experienced cyberbullying in the past year. The online/offline boundary has collapsed — school conflicts play out on social media 24/7.
Academic & ATAR Stress
Elevated↑ Year 11–12
Brisbane's competitive private school sector intensifies ATAR pressure. Mental health presentations linked to study stress peak in Terms 3–4, with Year 12 students most affected.
Racism & Discrimination
ElevatedMission AU 2024 top concern
Discrimination is a top wellbeing concern for Brisbane's diverse youth population. Students from Pacific Islander, Southeast Asian, and First Nations communities report the highest rates of school-based discrimination.
schoolSchool Profile Data · ACARA 2025
Schools in Brisbane
ACARA National School Profile 2025
schoolSchools
5
in this area
groupsStudents
8,465
total enrolments
equalizerAvg ICSEA
1146
146 points above national average
domainBy Sector
Government
60%(3)
Catholic
20%(1)
Independent
20%(1)
diversity_3Equity Indicators
bar_chart
2.8%Socioeconomic disadvantage
in lowest ICSEA quarter
people
1.3%Indigenous students
avg across schools
translate
45.8%Language other than English
LBOTE avg across schools
info
Source: ACARA National School Profile 2025. ICSEA national average is 1000. Schools shown are matched via postcode to SA3 region.
How Data Changes Outcomes
Prevention Insight
Brisbane schools need systematic, data-led approaches to identify bullying victims and perpetrators early. Manual reporting systems miss the majority of incidents.
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