As of August 2017, Saskatchewan has not yet enacted legislation pertaining to bullying. In terms of policy, the Government of Saskatchewan has established a Caring and Respectful Schools – Bullying Prevention a Model Policy (2006) to help school divisions implement an anti-bullying strategy. The Minister of Education also mandated an action plan to address bullying and cyberbullying in Saskatchewan. The resulting findings and recommendations are published in the report: “Saskatchewan’s Action Plan to Address Bullying and Cyberbullying" (2013).
The Action Plan proposes that school divisions adopt the following definition of bullying: “Bullying is a relationship issue where one person or group repeatedly uses power and aggression to control or intentionally hurt, harm or intimidate another person or group. It is often based on another person’s appearance, abilities, culture, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Bullying can take many forms: physical, emotional, verbal, psychological or social. It can occur in person or through electronic communication.”
For information on federal legislation regarding cyberbullying, 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 or cyberbullying 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. Children and youth 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: http://www.prevnet.ca