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 Model Policy (2006) to help school divisions implement an anti-bullying policy at the school division level. 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
Parents/guardians have a responsibility to work with the adults in their child’s life (teachers, school principals, coaches, and group leaders) so that together, they can teach students that bullying is wrong and unacceptable. Schools, (public or private) school boards, parents, teachers, and ministries are all responsible for creating safe environments where everyone is treated with respect.
What you should expect as a parent:
If your child confides that he or she has been bullied or cyberbullied at school, or if you hear about it from school personnel or someone else, this is what you should expect as a parent:
Students who are being bullied often do not want their parents/guardians to report it to the school out of fear or shame, but teachers and administration need to know about the bullying in order to stop it. Work with your child to determine which adults he or she trusts and feels most comfortable with, so that these adults can be involved in the solution.
Remember: approach the school in a calm, supportive manner despite the painful feelings of anger and worry you may feel. It is your job to protect your child, but it is the school’s role to maintain a safe learning environment for all students. It is the school’s responsibility to determine appropriate responses and consequences for the student who bullied and to maintain students’ privacy. Stay focused on solving the problem – preventing further incidents and enabling your child to feel safe and supported.
If you find out that your child has bullied or cyberbullied at school, either through hearing about it from school personnel, your child, or someone else, this is what you should expect as a parent:
At the School Board Level:
Remember, you are a role model for your children. Children watch what their parents do very closely, and are influenced by your actions as well as your words. If your children see you communicating respectfully and remaining constructive in the face of disagreements with others, they are more likely to behave the same way.