17-year-old Lismore local Milaya Mackenzie says she didn't like school and was constantly finding reasons to escape going. She felt she didn’t fit in, she experienced bullying, and was having troubles at home.  

“I found it difficult to attend classes, I always went to the sick bay,” said Milaya. “I always tried to get out of going to school …because I was getting bullied. And I just didn’t feel like I was in the right group in school,” Milaya said.  

Recent research indicates significant growth in distress among children and young people from bullying, both in person and online. Data from the office of the eSafety Commissioner reveals national school-age cyberbullying complaints have surged by 456 per cent in the past five years — from 536 to 2,978. In 2024, nearly half of reports involved children under the age of 13. 

It was Milaya’s mum who discovered Social Futures’ Getting it Together program and encouraged Milaya to give it a go.

"We booked in for one session, and I felt an instant connection to the program worker. It just felt like the right place to be," said Milaya.  

“I think a lot of this generation don’t express when they’re stuck. I think they mask it.” 

(Milaya with Social Futures Program Worker, Tiana-Lee Coutts. Photo: supplied)

Milaya said she learnt tools and techniques to help her manage anxiety, deal with stress, and find perspective and a sense of self-belonging. 

“After I went to Social Futures, I found that I didn’t need to fit into a category. You are your own category. You create that yourself.” 

Melissa Gordon is the General Manager for Child Youth and Family Programs at Social Futures and acknowledges there is an increase in the number of young people reporting concerns with bullying. 

“The impact of bullying on young people can be devastating; many people carry trauma from school bullying right through their lives. It’s incredibly important to take it seriously and ensure children and young people who are impacted can access support.”  

"Seeking support is one of the most valuable steps young people can take. Never dismiss your struggles as insignificant—your feelings matter, and there’s help available for you." 

Bullying No Way is a national week of action from 11-15 August. Melissa says it is the perfect time to talk openly about bullying, to encourage schools and whole communities to address bullying behaviour.  

“Everyone has the right to feel safe and to feel they belong. It really is up to all of us to call out bullying when we see or hear it,” Melissa said.  

Now in her final year of high school, Milaya is kicking goals and supporting others to do the same. 

“Now I am House Captain, and I am telling people to come to our sporting events, and to come to school and make school fun.” 

“I want to help people enjoy school and get through hard times,” Milaya said. 

Getting it Together is proudly funded by the NSW Government. 

Every young person has the power to shape their future. Social Futures has a range of programs to support children and young people to harness their strengths and overcome challenges.  

Call Social Futures today on 1800 719 625 or email info@socialfutures.org.au  

Children and young people can also access free support services through headspace in Lismore, Tweed Heads or Ballina by calling (02) 6625 0200 or for 24/7 phone support call Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.