Working together to create school communities where students feel safe and can reach their full potential is a key to eliminating bullying, Education Minister Nancy Allan said, as she proclaimed Nov. 13-19 Bullying Awareness Week.
“Bullying occurs in many environments including schools, the community and online,” said Allan. “It’s unacceptable and causes harm to individuals, families and the community as a whole. We all need to commit to doing our part to stop bullying. Government, schools, families and community members must co-operate to prevent bullying through education and awareness. Working together, we will create safer school communities where all students are respected. As a government, we will keep working with stakeholders to make positive changes.”
In 2004, the Manitoba government made it law that schools must ensure safe and caring environments for all students. The Safe Schools Charter requires all Manitoba schools to keep their safety policies appropriate and current. . In addition, every school in Manitoba must have a code of conduct that protects students by addressing bullying, abuse, discrimination, gang activity, possession of weapons, use of the Internet, use and possession of alcohol and drugs, disciplinary consequences, and appeal mechanisms for those consequences.
In 2008, amendments were made to the Public School Act to expand the definition of bullying to include cyberbullying and require school boards to establish a policy regarding the appropriate use of the Internet and electronic mail, and digital and electronic devices, Allan said. In 2011, Manitoba passed legislation that established a provincewide approach to reporting serious student misconduct. All employees of a school division and those who have care and charge of students, including during school-approved activities such as sporting events or field trips, must report unacceptable student conduct to the principal as soon as possible.
“The provincial government is committed to supporting school communities in providing safe learning environments for all children and youth. Utilizing a ‘whole school’ approach to safety and belonging, educators, parents and students can work together to address the serious issues of bullying and school violence,” said Allan.
