Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week 2021

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week 2021
Posted on 11/12/2021
Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week 2021

The OCDSB is committed to providing a safe, caring and inclusive learning environment for all students – each and every one. Bullying is a serious, and far too prevalent issue that we all need to work together to address. 

Bullying is defined as a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person's body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance. It comes in a variety of forms, including:

  • Physical – hitting, shoving, stealing or damaging property
  • Verbal – name calling, mocking, or making sexist, racist or homophobic comments
  • Social – excluding others from a group or spreading gossip or rumours about them
  • Electronic (commonly known as cyberbullying) – spreading rumours and hurtful comments through the use of cellphones, e-mail, text messaging and through social media.

From November 21-27, 2021, schools across Ontario will be recognizing Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. This is an opportunity for us all to reinforce clear and positive messages that bullying is not acceptable in our schools and communities.

We believe that everyone has a responsibility to stop bullying behaviour. Students and staff are encouraged to learn more about bullying and its effect on student learning and well-being.

Educators play a key role in teaching and supporting children’s healthy relationships and working with students to support those affected by bullying as well as those who engage in this behaviour.

Bullying prevention requires a whole-school approach between staff, students and families. At the OCDSB, we are committed towards building a culture of caring within our schools, where each student feels welcome and has the opportunity to realize their full potential. 

Our Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Roadmap is a critical part of this effort. The creation of a safe, caring and inclusive environment, where diversity is valued and celebrated, language is respectful, care and empathy is shown toward each other, and physical and emotional safety is experienced is key to bullying prevention.

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