THE Mossman State High School celebrated Harmony Day today to encourage cultural diversity and acceptance.

On the back of Friday's National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, Mossman State High School principle Deborah Kachel said the day was about recognising the cultural differences in society and acceptance of differing backgrounds.

The school held a special Harmony Day assembly where students were shown a video clip of staff sharing stories of what culture means to them, followed by a number of cultural activities including food stalls and Indian 'Bollywood', and African dancing.

"Harmony day is all about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belong for everyone," Kachel said.

"We thought it was important to focus on multiculturalism and the acceptance of being from different backgrounds as it's important to embrace cultural diversity and to share what we have in common.

"It was great to see everyone dressed in Orange for the day."

Traditionally orange is the colour for social communication and conversations and is central to the ‘everyone belongs’ message of Harmony Day.

Kachel said it was a message that was also important in the fight against bullying, both at school and online, which was in the spotlight on Friday.

"I think one of the problems is that many people shake of bullying as just the Australian way with people saying 'they're just mucking around',  so it can be a cultural thing and can fly under the radar," she said.

"We are trying to teach young people that it's really not acceptable in anyway way, shape or form and for our kids to be kinder and more accepting.

"With young people on social media bullying and harassment can sometimes come back with them into the school yard from home, which is a challenge.

"It's an issue we have to deal with all the time in our society so of course that translates to the school ground."

More than 300,000 students from 600 Queensland primary and secondary schools took part in the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on Friday which had a focus on cyber bullying. 

Studies show one in five young people are bullied online with children aged between 10 and 15 the most vulnerable.

"It’s important that the parents, community members as well as teachers and students spread the word against all forms of bullying and violence,” Education Minister Kate Jones said.  

“By working together, schools and communities can generate discussion to find workable solutions to address bullying and violence.

“NDA, led by Queensland’s Department of Education and Training, is a significant awareness-raising event for schools throughout Australia.”