Students, Teachers Stand Up Against Bullying

Students and teachers from across the province, today, Sept. 13, are promoting the importance of healthy, safe and positive schools.

The province and its education partners recognize the second Thursday in September as Stand Up Against Bullying Day by hosting a variety of anti-bullying activities including discussions, contests, assemblies and team-building events.

"Bullying and cyberbullying are serious problems in our schools and communities," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "At the start of the school year, it is important to have an opportunity to talk to, and teach, students about healthy relationships, diversity, respect and positive behaviours."

A group of students at Halifax West High School met with Ms. Jennex today to discuss the underlying causes of bullying. Students expressed their views on social justice, human rights and self-esteem building.

"I am happy to see heightened awareness of this issue and the root causes of bullying," said Victoria Best, Race Relations, Cross Cultural Understanding and Human Rights Co-ordinator, Halifax West High School. "We work to help students build healthy relationships, both in and out of school, understand expected behaviours and work to find more positive solutions to problems."

The province continues to take steps with its partners to help protect young people from bullying and cyberbullying, as part of the Kids and Learning First plan.

Acting on the Cyberbullying Task Force's recommendations, the province is appointing an anti-bullying co-ordinator, and involving students in developing a public awareness campaign.

Last spring, the province implemented some of the task force's recommendations in legislation. More legislation will be introduced this fall to help clarify, update and define the role of teachers and support staff in reporting, and of principals in dealing with, severely disruptive behaviour, including bullying and cyberbullying.