Schools urged to take a stand on bullying

Australian schools are being urged to take a stand against bullying and cyberbullying, and join the national day of action.

The prime minister and education minister say they have written to schools across the nation asking them to sign up to the ninth National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on March 15.

More than 4750 schools have already registered but about 4650 have yet to, according to a joint statement from PM Scott Morrison and Education Minister Dan Tehan on Sunday.

"Bullying is something we all need to be aware of," the statement said.

"It is an issue that is sadly affecting more and more of our kids and everyone in the community can do something about it."

Around half of all Year 3, 4 and 5 students report bullying at some level and one in five young Australians have experienced cyberbullying, according to research.

Schools that register receive anti-bullying materials and teaching resources.