Bullying is repeated aggressive behaviour in a relationship in which the person who bullies has more power than the person who is bullied. The aggressive behaviour is typically (but not always) repeated. Bullying can take many forms: verbal, physical, social, or electronic (cyberbullying). It can focus on: disability, sexual orientation and sexuality, gender identity, race/ethnicity/religion, or other issues. In many provinces and territories, laws pertain to all incidents of bullying that affect the school’s learning climate, whether on or off school property and whether face-to-face or electronically.
As of August 2017, your province or territory has not yet enacted legislation pertaining to bullying or cyberbullying. The following information is offered as a general guide and should be considered to apply to both public and private schools. You may also find it helpful to read the documents pertaining to the seven provinces (Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Alberta) as well as the Yukon that do have legislation in place.
For more details on cyberbullying legislation, including federal legislation, please visit: Legal Consequences of Cyberbullying
Educators share responsibility with parents and other adults in students’ lives to nurture the development of the social emotional skills that students need to engage in healthy relationships, and to teach students that bullying is wrong and unacceptable.
As an educator, you should expect the following:
If an incident of bullying is disclosed to you or witnessed by you, these are the educator’s responsibilities.
And finally,
Remember to consider your own behaviour, despite any disagreements or hostility you may encounter. Students closely watch what the adults in their life do and are influenced as much by your actions as your words. When students see you being respectful and empathic towards others, even when you disagree, they are more likely to behave the same way.
For more resources, please visit: PREVNet.ca