School programs

White Ribbon’s Breaking the Silence in Schools Program began in 2009 and is now applied in 60 schools throughout the Sydney Region. Due to the program’s success, White Ribbon is now working on expanding this program nationally.

The program:

  • Works to inspire principals to strengthen the culture of respect in their schools that is age-appropriate for their students and engages all parts of the school community;
  • Builds on the knowledge and skills already existing in schools as evident in, for example, personal development, resilience and anti-bullying programs; 
  • Involves training school leadership, principals and other Executives, and is based around male leadership, primary prevention and gender and power.

School leaders become partners in the prevention of violence against women. Principals and subsequently teachers are provided with the resources and strengthened skills to implement and broaden programs that work to create a culture of respect across the school community.

This site includes case studies from schools participating in the Breaking the Silence in Schools Program. These are intended to give you some useful ideas of how you can apply the program in your own school.

If you would like your school to participate in the Breaking the Silence in Schools Program, please contact admin@whiteribbon.org.au

  • Youth portal

    Visit this page for links to information and tools on how to have positive and safe relationships with your family, friends, boyfriends and girlfriends.

    learn more

  • Teachers portal

    This portal is designed to be a 'one-stop-shop' of resources for Principals and teachers. It is a compilation of resources developed by a variety of organisations, all of which work towards building respectful and non-violent relationships.

    learn more

School program updates