Introduces Assessment Tool so schools can follow the guidelines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Many provinces and territories either have, or are contemplating, legislation and policies to prevent bullying and cyberbullying. But what may be on the books in one jurisdiction often differs from other regions of the country. PREVNet, Canada’s authority on research and resources for bullying prevention, can help clarify the situation across the country.

To kick off Bullying Awareness Week 2013 (November 14 – 24) PREVNet has launched a new interactive web page at /resources/policy-and-legislation. “This web page outlines legislation and policies now in place in each province and territory, as well as the rights and responsibilities’ of parents and educators,” says PREVNet Scientific Co-Director Dr. Debra Pepler. “These summaries are intended to provide guidance for both parents and educators.”

PREVNet has also developed a Bullying Evaluation and Strategies Tool to help schools make sure they are following the legislation and policies in their area. PREVNet’s BEST /resources/assessment-tool  is an online assessment tool that measures the level of bullying in schools. The tool is backed by more than 20 years of research into bullying and healthy relationships and offers teachers and administrators proven, evidence-based strategies tailored to the schools’ needs to help students.

“Research shows that more than half of all bullying incidents can be prevented by initiating an effective school-based prevention program,” says PREVNet Scientific Co-Director Dr. Wendy Craig. “Our recommendations are scientifically proven and easily measurable so schools can understand how their bullying prevention programs are working, and make improvements.”

PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) is an umbrella network of 79 leading Canadian research scientists and 55 national youth-serving organizations with a mission to stop bullying in Canada and to promote safe and healthy relationships for all Canadian children and youth. Created and led by Scientific Co-Directors, Dr. Debra Pepler of York University and Dr. Wendy Craig of Queen’s University, this national network provides an unprecedented opportunity to change the way we understand children’s relationships and deal with bullying problems in this country.