The announcement last week that the Safe Schools program will be subject to an immediate review has prompted concern from the program’s supporters, including Social Ventures Australia (SVA).

Safe Schools is a program designed to make schools safer for LGBTI students; to reduce bullying, and to give teachers and principals tools to help make their school a great place for students to learn and thrive, regardless of their sexual orientation. Many school leaders and parents have spoken publicly about the positive impact they’ve seen as a result of their schools participating in Safe Schools.

The program exists because research shows that students at safe and supportive schools have better educational outcomes and are less likely to have poor mental health.

For many LGBTI students, school has not felt safe. Three quarters of young people who identify as LGBTI have reported being the victims of bullying or abuse, and 80 per cent report it happening at school. One in six young people identifying as LGBTI have attempted suicide, and depression rates are more than three times the national average.

As an organisation that believes all young people have the right to learn in an environment where they feel safe and supported, Social Ventures Australia believes Safe Schools plays an important role.

While the careful review of program efficacy is an important component of any government funding agreement, the fact that this review is happening hastily and prematurely, given that there is already an evaluation of the program scheduled for next year, raises alarm bells.

Good policy needs to be driven by evidence, and the evidence of what happens without a program like Safe Schools is unequivocal.

We hope this review will offer a comprehensive and balanced view of the value of the Safe Schools program, with the welfare of students front and centre.