Social Norms are the unwritten rules that guide behaviour within the school community.

Social norms stem from values and develop through repetition. Unhealthy social norms include locking bags and lockers as a sign of mistrust, talking in class and disrespecting teachers and seeing learning as a socially undesirable activity.

In contrast, healthy social norms include being honest and trustworthy, being respectful to others and seeing learning engagement as a positive trait.

Healthy social norms need to be actively and openly nurtured within the school community.

E: Helen.Street at UWA.edu.au 
T:0011 61 (0) 8 – 9388 8843  F:0011 61 (0) 8 – 9388 8848