This article is sponsored by Stymie Pty Ltd
Stymie’s mission is to transform how schools address bullying and harm.
Founder and CEO Rachel Downie, 2020 Queensland Australian of the Year, who recently completed a Churchill Fellowship investigating global anti-bullying and harm-prevention programs in schools, has a message that is both urgent and empowering.
“Harm grows in silence. If we want to change the culture of our schools, we must build environments where assertive kindness, respect and accountability are the norm. Every student and staff member should feel empowered to speak up, knowing they will be heard and supported,” she says.
Drawing from her international research, Downie advocates for clear systems that allow students and staff to safely report concerns, equip bystanders to take positive action and work together to further wellbeing as a tangible priority across school communities.
Stymie’s anonymous, encrypted online platform enables students to report a wide range of issues – including bullying, self-harm, family violence, suicide ideation, anxiety, depression, physical fights and illegal activity – without fear of reprisal. Notifications are sent instantly and confidentially to predetermined school personnel, ensuring that support can be mobilised quickly and discreetly, in line with wellbeing frameworks and the 10 Child Safe Standards. Importantly, Stymie does not store or back up any information, reinforcing its commitment to privacy.
Breaking the bystander effect
One of Stymie’s most significant contributions is its ability to “break the bystander” effect.
“Our youth cannot be what they cannot see; we need all Australians to call out poor behaviours in a safe, kind and assertive way,” says Downie.
By providing anonymity, Stymie empowers students who might otherwise remain silent due to fear or social pressure, transforming passive bystanders into proactive upstanders.
Impact that matters
The numbers speak volumes about Stymie’s impact. In 2024 alone, the platform facilitated over 110,000 anonymous notifications to schools, covering concerns such as self-harm, bullying, family violence, harmful sexual behaviours, mental health issues and illegal activity.
However, since its launch in 2015, Stymie has been introduced to over 800,000 students across schools internationally, demonstrating substantial and sustained use.
This volume of notifications is not just a statistic – it’s a testament to the trust students place in the platform and the vital role it plays. For educators, these notifications translate into increased awareness, earlier intervention and enhanced emotional and psychological safety for students.
Call to action
Stymie’s approach goes beyond technology. Downie’s recommendations emphasise the need for consistent staff training, student-led initiatives and strong partnerships with parents and local networks to ensure harm-prevention strategies are reinforced beyond the classroom.
“We all need to say something when we see bullying, dehumanisation, exclusion, discrimination and harm,” adds Downie.
As Australian schools continue to confront the challenges of bullying and harm, Stymie offers a proven, compassionate and effective solution.
For more information, visit here.