Charlie's story

Imagine your five-year-old daughter just starting Prep and suddenly dreading every morning. She loved Kinder, adored her educators, and was excited to take the next big step with her friends. But after a few days, she stopped wanting to wear her uniform and began crying about going to school.

This was Charlie*. Her parents thought it might be normal settling-in nerves, but soon they discovered something far more serious. Her school buddy, a girl three years older, was being unkind.

Charlie, only five and just starting Prep, did not even have the words to explain what was happening. She had never experienced bullying before. Other children in her class were facing the same subtle, confusing, and frightening behaviour. They were being teased, pranked, and excluded in ways that left them scared and unsure.

Feeling lost and unprepared, Charlie’s parents turned to social media for help. They found Dolly’s Dream and reached out. Almost immediately, they were connected to our resources, including the anti-bullying toolkit, and spoke directly with a qualified counsellor on our Bullying Support Line.

They were guided through what was happening, reassured they were not overreacting, and empowered to take the next steps.

With that support, they approached the school confidently. They knew the right words to use and the informed approach to take, ensuring Charlie’s safety and helping restore her school experience. Most importantly, the family had hope and a clear plan in place.

There are thousands of families like Charlie’s, navigating bullying for the first time, feeling confused, unprepared, and scared. Dolly’s Dream is here to help them. 


*This is a true account, but images and names have been changed to protect safety and privacy.