Province announces comprehensive anti-bullying action plan designed to protect students and create a safe inclusive environment. Left to right: Nancy Allan, Minister of Education, Kirsten Dozenko, Collège Garden City teacher, Cassandra Julyan, Collège Garden City teacher, Flo Oramasionwu, recording artist

December 4, 2012

PROVINCE SUPPORTING SAFE AND INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS BY INTRODUCING STRONG ANTI-BULLYING ACTION PLAN: ALLAN

Protecting students from bullying in school, on the street and on the Internet is an important priority for the provincial government, Education Minister Nancy Allan said today as she introduced a comprehensive anti-bullying action plan designed to further protect students and create a safe inclusive environment.
“Our government is committed to supporting schools and communities in providing safe and caring learning environments for our students.  We all share a responsibility to work together to provide safe schools where all students feel respected and can reach their full potential,” said Allan.  “Our anti‑bullying plan will further protect students and provide a safe environment while fostering understanding and inclusion.”
The broad anti-bullying strategy includes:

• help for teachers including expanded training supports, workshops and other professional learning opportunities, and ongoing support for the Respect in School initiative;
• help for parents including new online information and resources online on how to recognize, deal with and report bullying; and
• help for students including strengthened anti-bullying legislation and the Tell Them From Me Survey to allow schools to hear directly from students about bullying.

“Bullying is an issue addressed in schools on a daily basis.  Collège Garden City is no exception,” said Steve Medwick, principal of the school.  “We do our best to mediate issues between students.  Our ultimate goal is to equip them with the tools and language to deal with conflict in a constructive, positive way.  The administration, guidance and teaching staff work together to provide an advocacy program that addresses an anti-bullying action plan to protect students and create a safe, inclusive, caring environment.”
The minister also said the province will move forward with strong legislation that would further support students, broaden reporting of bullying and respect diversity.
“New legislation will also address the role of social media in bullying and allow student-supported initiatives at schools aimed at promoting an inclusive environment such as clubs and activities that promote gender equity and respect for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, anti‑racism and respect for people who are disabled by barriers,”  said Allan.

The minister said, in the months ahead, she will meet with schools, students, teachers, parents and principals across the province to discuss further bullying prevention measures and creation of safer environments for students in and out of school.
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