Actress Clare McCann Calls for Urgent Government Action on Bullying Through Public Petition

 

# The campaign calls for a 'Four Strikes' model

# To sign the petition, visit: APH petition against bullying 

Actress, filmmaker, director and anti-bullying advocate Clare McCann has launched a powerful public campaign urging the Australian Federal Government to take stronger action on bullying, highlighting its devastating impact on young people and families across the country.

At the centre of McCann's advocacy is her deeply personal connection to the issue, including her experiences as a parent to her son, Atreyu, who tragically took his life last year following sustained bullying at his school which went unpunished.

Clare is calling for a 'Four Strikes' policy that would be implemented in schools nationwide. 

Strike one comes when persistent teasing, online harassment or name-calling takes place, strike two is triggered by serious behaviour such as violence, sexist or racist attacks, and threatening another child. If the behaviours continue, the third strike results in suspension from school, with the fourth and final strike resulting in expulsion. 

"We need systemic change, stronger protections, and real accountability to ensure no child feels unsafe or unheard," Clare said. 

"While it is heartbreakingly too late for my son, I want his legacy to be that our schools become safer for children and that bullying has consequences and will not be tolerated."

Atreyu himself was an actor and activist like his mother Clare and had even spoken out in a public TikTok video campaign championing the protection of children before his death. He also helped his mother in the launch of the Sydney Women's International Film Festival (SWIFF) and is listed as a co-founder of the festival, which has been raising awareness to women's issues worldwide for the past six years. 

Since its launch, the petition has begun gaining traction, with supporters across Australia adding their voices to the call for action. Advocates say the initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need for coordinated, nationwide solutions to bullying.

TO INTERVIEW CLARE McCANN: email [email protected] or call Marta Wiacek on 0409 291 785 or email [email protected] or call Max Markson on 0412 501 601.

About Clare McCann

Clare McCann is an award-winning Australian actress, writer, director, producer, singer and performer whose career spans film, television, theatre and live entertainment as well as advocacy work on social issues. She is committed to using her platform to raise awareness and drive positive change in the community.

Her acting credits include Prime's Benefited, Channel [V]'s Blog Party, Stan's Head Above Water and Nine's House of Bond. She also starred as Mimi in the live musical Rent, Janet Weiss in a Sydney tour of The Rocky Horror Show, toured nationally as the David Jones Christmas Fairy, performed as the lead vocalist in her own cabaret production at The Star Casino.

Clare won a Best Actress award for her theatrical performance of Jane in Jane Eyre. As a former cheerleader for the Parramatta Eels, McCann was also the creator of the highly successful Club Live on Foxtel's Channel [V], and has taught drama and cheerleading at many of Sydney's leading high schools and at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

As a filmmaker, McCann wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the award-winning feature film Benefited, a social-impact drama exploring domestic violence and homelessness. The film screened through the AACTA Awards festival circuit. She was also appointed Creative Director for the launch of Marquee Sydney, overseeing all live entertainment, performers, costume design and set design.

McCann is the Founder and Festival Director of the Sydney Women's International Film Festival, using storytelling and the arts to champion women's voices and social change through film. She also successfully led the public campaign to help save Sydney's historic Roxy Theatre and has been a passionate advocate for performers' rights within Australia's entertainment industry.

Marta Wiacek

0409 291 785