Creating a culture of safety for Under 18 at Bond University
Bond University is dedicated to providing a child-safe environment and culture that promotes the safety, wellbeing and participation of children and young people involved in our learning, research and campus activities.
Bond University is committed to fostering a child-safe culture in which the safety, wellbeing and rights of children are paramount. We acknowledge that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility and actively work to identify, prevent and manage risks to children. The University does not tolerate child abuse, neglect or any form of harm. We are committed to protecting the safety, wellbeing and rights of all children and ensuring they are treated with dignity, respect and care. This includes fostering culturally safe and inclusive environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, international children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with disability.
We recognise the significant and enduring impact that child abuse and harm can have on children and young people. We prioritise child-safe and trauma-informed practices, promoting a culture of vigilance, empathy and accountability. Our aim is to foster an environment where children and young people feel safe, valued and empowered to speak up.
The University’s child safety response
Bond University has responded by:
- Implementing a Child and Young Persons (Under 18) Safety and Wellbeing Policy that places obligations on all University members, including staff, students, volunteers and contractors to act ethically towards children and to take a pro-active response approach to the prevention of harm to Children by identifying possible exposures and risks early and removing and/or reducing risks to Children and Young Persons.
- Establishing the Welfare Arrangements for Students Under the Age of 18 Procedure that details how the University will ensure the suitability of accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements for students under 18 years of age. This Procedure recognises regulatory responsibilities under ESOS National Code – Standard 5 and Student Visa Conditions that require Under 18 Overseas students to have approved accommodation and welfare arrangements in place.
- Developing a Child and Young Persons (Under 18) Risk Management Procedure which sets out the Bond University Child and Young Person (Under 18) Risk Management Strategy, with the purpose of helping to identify potential Risks of harm to Children and Young Persons; to implement strategies to minimise these Risks; and to ensure the University’s compliance with the Child Safe Organisation Act 2024 (Qld) the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 and the Child Protection Act 1999 (Qld).
- Executing the Blue Card Procedure which identifies who requires a Blue Card at Bond University, the applications process and the implications of a negative notice.
- Establishing the Working with Children Training Module forms part of the Working with Children and Young Persons risk management strategy to provide a safe environment for Children and Young Persons in the care of Bond University employees, students and/or volunteers whether on campus or at an off-campus location.
- Implementing the requirements of the Qld reportable conduct scheme which includes the investigation and reporting of any allegations made against university staff, students, volunteers and contractors related to harmful conduct towards children.
What to report
We encourage all members of our community, staff, and students who have experienced or observed any incidents where you are concerned that a child or young person may be unsafe or experiencing harm.
Examples include:
- Being physically hurt
- Being threatened, intimidated, or emotionally harmed
- Not having their basic care or support needs met
- Being exposed to sexual abuse or exploitation
- Any behaviour or circumstances that negatively affect their wellbeing
You do not need proof to raise a concern. If you are worried about a child's safety or wellbeing, we encourage you to report it.