Getting Tough on Bullying
Written by Lara Kinkartz on 07/04/10
Photo by DEAL.org
Bullying is a part of our lives from the time we are children: we all remember kindergarten when we’d fight with our classmates over the crayons and the best toys. While we may brush these actions off as a normal part of childhood, bullying is no laughing matter, and can become much more serious as we get older. Whether it’s psychological trauma, physical injuries or harassment so severe that victims have been driven to take their own lives, bullying can have severe and lasting consequences. Finally, it seems like the authorities are getting the message about this issue: new regulations came into effect in February in Ontario that will force schools to get tougher on bullies.
From now on, all school employees in Ontario – including teachers, janitors and administrative staff – are required by law to report bullying and other serious incidents to the school principal (Bullying Canada). The principal must also respond to the staff member in writing, outlining how he or she dealt with the offending student. The same law also allows principals to disclose information about how bullies are being punished to the victims and their families. Previously, confidentiality regulations meant that victims often had no idea how bullies were punished, or if they were punished at all.
Even more encouraging, the new law requires that teachers and educational assistants address improper behaviour, such as sexist comments and offensive statements (Bullying Canada). Whereas before some educators let inappropriate behaviour slide, they will now face sanctions under the Ontario College of Teachers Act if they fail to live up to the stricter requirements of this new law.
While the new law is good news for students across the province, it’s still a good idea to learn about bullying and how to deal with it if you are victimized. For more information, check out the links below.
What is being done in your school to prevent bullying? Leave a comment and let us know!
DEAL.org Blog: Restoring Relationships: a Vancouver School’s Approach to Bullying and Conflict
DEAL.org Knowzone: Bullying
DEAL.org Knowzone: Cyberbullying
Bullying Canada
Inside Out – BullyBusters
One Reader Comment:
MarcoOctober 8th
Malheureusement l’intimidation est loin d’être un chapître de notre histoire. L’intimidation existe toujours, mais ce n’est pas toujours facile de savoir si son enfant en est victime. J’ai d’ailleurs lu un article sur ce sujet et je crois qu’il éclairera plusieurs sur ce sujet: http://www.jetaide.com/dossiers/droit-et-juridique/mon-enfant-est-il-intimide-a-l%e2%80%99ecole-633-15.htm