November 20-26 is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Ontario

November 20-26 is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Ontario
Posted on 11/17/2022
November 20-26 is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Ontario

The OCDSB is committed to providing a safe, caring and inclusive learning environment for all students. We believe creating an environment where diversity is valued and celebrated, language is respectful, care and empathy is shown toward each other, and physical and emotional safety is not only important for student learning and well-being, but key to the prevention of bullying. We are committed to ensuring each student feels welcome and has the opportunity to realize their full potential. 

Bullying prevention requires a whole-school approach between staff, students and families. Everyone has a responsibility to help stop bullying behaviour. Educators in particular play a key role in teaching and supporting children’s healthy relationships and working with students to support those affected by bullying, as well as those who engage in this behaviour.

By definition, bullying is repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual (or individuals), that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person's body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance. It comes in a variety of forms, including:

  • Physical: Hitting, shoving, stealing or damaging property
  • Verbal: Name calling, mocking, or making sexist, racist or homophobic comments
  • Social: Excluding others from a group or spreading gossip/rumours about them
  • Electronic (commonly known as cyberbullying): Spreading rumours and hurtful comments through the use of cellphones, e-mail, text messaging, or through social media.

From November 20-26, 2022, schools across Ontario will be recognizing Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. This is an opportunity for us all to reinforce clear and positive messages that bullying is not acceptable in our schools and communities.

This week and all throughout the year, students and staff are encouraged to learn more about bullying and its effect on student well-being, and the ability for students to learn at school. 

Additional Resources 

If you are experiencing bullying, here are a few things you can do: 

  • Ask the person to stop
  • Walk away from the situation
  • Talk to a friend, your teacher, or a parent or trusted adult
  • Use the OCDSB Cares webtext or text to report it 
  • Work with school staff or a trusted adult to resolve the matter

If you are witnessing bullying, here’s how you can help: 

  • Ask the person to stop
  • Encourage the person who is being bullied to walk away from the situation
  • Support the person who is being bullied by comforting them
  • Encourage the person being bullied to talk with their teacher or a parent/trusted adult
  • Check in on a regular basis with the person who was being bullied.

 

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