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June 18, 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
Bullying higher for children with chronic conditions
Children with chronic medical conditions and mental health issues face a significantly higher risk of being bullied than their healthy peers, according to freshly compiled evidence which will be submitted tomorrow to the Federal Government’s Anti-Bullying Rapid Review.
MissingSchool CEO, Megan Gilmour, said up to 1.2 million students were at risk of experiencing increased bullying on top of the complications caused by their conditions.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Ms Gilmour said bullying and social exclusion often triggered a long cycle of health and psychological challenges, which could 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 said.
“More than 1500 MissingSchool parent and teacher surveys of children with chronic conditions informed us:
- 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%)
- 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).”
Ms Gilmour said greater connection with the classroom, peers and teachers was 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 said.
“The fact that kids with chronic conditions are often invisible due to their absences, and often overlooked for specialised support at school, 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.
ENDS
Megan Gilmour is available for interviews by phone, online or in person.
BACKGROUND
- Up to 1.2 million (1 in 3) students in Australia have a chronic condition serious enough to disrupt their attendance and wellbeing. These disruptions increase vulnerability by weakening students’ academic progress and connection to their peers and school life.
- 11 per cent of children live with two or more chronic conditions that require time away from school for treatment, recovery, or management (AIHW, 2024).
About MissingSchool
MissingSchool is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness of the educational and social needs of the up to 1.2 million Australian children with a health condition that affects their school attendance. Driven by a belief that all kids deserve to be seen and heard, MissingSchool uses innovative telepresence technology to connect sick children with their teachers and peers in classrooms throughout the country.
Since 2012, MissingSchool has reconnected 7,200+ classmates, provided specialised training to over 700 teachers, and helped parents, carers, peers and siblings better support students who are regularly absent from school. The organisation also advocates for policy change to make inclusive education accessible for every child, driving national conversations about flexible schooling.
For more, visit www.missingschool.org.au
About Megan Gilmour, Founder and CEO of MissingSchool:
Megan Gilmour is the co-founder and CEO of MissingSchool, an innovative nonprofit addressing education and social isolation experienced by children with chronic health conditions. Named the 2025 ACT Australian of the Year, Megan’s mission began following her son’s battle with a life-threatening illness, sparking her commitment to transforming educational access nationwide.
